Recommendations for pathological examination and reporting for colorectal cancer Belgian Consensus

For over years, numerous studies have demonstrated the utmost importance of pathological examination in assessing prognosis for cancer patients. For colorectal cancer, it has been shown that the depth of invasion, the presence of lymph node metastases, their number and localisation, the presence of tumour at the surgical margins and the presence of vascular invasion need to be assessed. These data are indicative in the choice for additional treatment. Therefore standardisation of pathological examination is important for the quality of care of the patient. The Belgian Club for Digestive Pathology has attempted to reach a National consensus on pathological examination and reporting. To start with J-P. Bogers and C. Sempoux analysed the literature and compared American, English and French data concer- ning standardisation for colorectal cancer (1,2,3,4,5). The authors concluded that unanimity exist for certain features to be included whilst others are still under deba- te (6). Therefore a group of Belgian pathologists* met to debate on these data and issues and to present a check- list that would help pathologists