Speakers:
Rhonda Yantiss, MD
Mary Kay Washington, MD
Alyssa M. Krasinskas, MD, FASCP
Robert M. Najarian, MD
Steven Wexner, MD
Mariana Berho, MD
Description:
Members of the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society Education Committee felt that a multidisciplinary discussion of colorectal cancer may be helpful to practicing surgical pathologists. Recent changes to the AJCC TNM Cancer Staging Manual, the WHO Tumor Classification, and the CAP guidelines have led to confusion and inconsistent reporting practices among pathologists. Advanced surgical techniques have changed the way patients with colon cancer are managed, yet many pathologists, residents, and pathology assistants do not understand the anatomy of resultant specimens. The topics of discussion will include: 1. Surgical Management of Rectal Cancer: What Pathologists Need to Know—Steve Wexner 2. Pathologic Evaluation of Malignant Polyps–Robert Najarian 3. Pathologic Staging Issues: Applying Criteria of the AJCC 7th edition–Kay Washington 4. Ancillary Testing of Colon Cancer: The Routine and Esoteric–Alyssa Krasinskas
Learning Objectives:
- Understand factors that determine the type of surgical approach used to treat colon cancer patients and know how to handle resection specimens appropriately.
- Apply pathologic staging criteria accurately to surgical and endoscopic resection specimens, such that clinicians can make informed management decisions.
- Interpret results of ancillary tests used to determine treatment strategies for cancer patients and identify potential at-risk family members.