Colorectal carcinoma - an audit of histopathology reports

Abstract

METHOD: An analysis of 213 reports issued by some histopathology departments in the Colombo and Gampaha districts was done to ascertain whether certain macroscopic and microscopic features considered important in patient management was included in the histopathology reports. RESULTS: 213 reports, which included 76 rectal carcinomas, were audited. The peritoneal surface and Radial margin involvement were reported in only 6% and 19% of the reports respectively. Vascular and lymphatic invasion was commented on in only 15%, and the site of rectal tumor was not mentioned in any. Though 71-8% of the reports carried information regarding lymph node rnetastases, this information was incomplete; 26% of the reports did not include the total number of lymph nodes retrieved. All other features were included in over 75% of the reports. CONCLUSIONS; Reporting was found to be inadequate with regard to peritoneal and radial surface involvement vascular and lymphatic invasion within the tumor, lymph node metastases, and in the case of rectal tumors whether the tumor was above, at or below the peritoneal reflection.