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A descriptive analysis of gastric cancer specimen processing techniques
Author(s) -
Mahar Alyson L.,
Qureshi Alia P.,
Ottensmeyer C. Andrea,
Pollett Aaron,
Wright Frances C.,
Coburn Natalie G.,
Chetty Runjan
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.21827
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer , descriptive statistics , statistics , mathematics
Background Adherence to guidelines for adequate gastric cancer specimen assessment is poor in North America. Inadequate staging and poor prognosis were noted in some series when these guidelines are not met. Recent advances have been made in standardizing cancer pathology reports in Canada; however, the uptake of these reporting systems is unknown for gastric cancer. A survey of pathologists in Ontario was performed to outline the processing techniques and practices for assessing gastric cancer specimens. Methods A survey was designed through a collaboration of surgical oncologists, general surgeons, pathologists, and research staff. Pathologists were identified using the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and MD Select databases. Participants were surveyed online or by mail‐out. Results The response rate was 40.2% (147/366). Vascular invasion, perineural invasion, and signet ring cells were all reported as being examined for by the majority of pathologists. Fat clearing solution and keratin immunohistochemical techniques were not reported as being consistently utilized. Less than 70% of pathologists indicated using a form of synoptic report. Conclusion Variations in practice and technique were observed. This may or may not reflect differences in quality of care or simply preferences for achieving equivalent results in the absence of standardized procedures. Education, evidence‐based procedural guidelines and further research are required to provide infrastructure and support for pathologists and surgeons involved in the care of gastric cancer patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:248–256. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.