Education
Articles and Statistics you need to know:
Start by reviewing the following article:
Second Opinions, published on the Washington Post website in which “Patients were advised to obtain a second opinion before surgery or treatment for a serious illness.” The study found that the pathology interpretations (including staging) in 43 out of 149 patients (29%) with breast cancer diagnosis were changed after a second opinion review by another pathologist. more
In this article you will see that the chances of diagnostic errors are significant.
The following articles are selected from data published by certain institutions as a step to establish a baseline of accepted error percentages, an idea that is completely refused by our company.
In a study titled “Institutional pathology consultation” conducted by a big cancer center, the review of 715 cases by a second pathologist showed major discrepancy that impacted the patient’s health outcome in 6% of cases. This means that according to this published article by Tsung JS, the chance of missing a cancer diagnosis or over-diagnosing a case as cancer approaches as much as 6% of cases.
| Total Cases Examined | No Discrepancy | Minor Discrepancy | Major Discrepancy |
| 715 (100%) | 633 (89%) | 35(5%) | 42 (6%) |
Also, according to this article, the author suggested the following: “As the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology recommended, second pathology review should be standard practice. It is necessary that our major Pathology Association and Societies adopt a strong position on this matter to influence government or insurance company to pay for this service rendered by pathologists.”
A second pathology review is NOT currently required for accredited pathology practices in the United States, a service that we are proud to offer.
Another Study titled “Patient safety in anatomic pathology: measuring discrepancy frequencies and causes” was conducted by “Raab SS, Nakhleh RE and Ruby SG” in the department of pathology, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. This study concluded that “Although the majority of discrepancies had no effect on patient care, 5.3% had a moderate or marked effect on patient care.” In other words this study observed an average of 5.3% of pathology cases that have major discrepancy after a second pathologist review. Major discrepancies observed included changing malignant diagnosis to benign, changing benign diagnosis to malignant and other changes that would seriously affect the treatment modalities and the patient’s prognosis.
Links:
Cancer Organizations & Societies Links:
American Cancer Society (cancer.org) a website dedicated to helping patients who face cancer. Supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education.
National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov) The official site for the National Institute of Health’s principal agency for cancer research.
College of American Pathologists (cap.org)
Cancer Research Links:
Cancer Research (cancerres.aacrjournals.org) General cancer research journal supported by the American Association for Cancer Research.
Cancer Care (cancercare.org) Professional Support for People Affected by Cancer. Non-profit organization offers support services including counseling, education, financial help and practical assistance.
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