A report, section by section.
Every pathology report follows a similar structure. Here’s what each part actually means.
"Core needle biopsy of right breast, 12 o'clock position"
The first section of your report describes exactly what was removed and how.
Your doctor took a small tissue sample using a hollow needle — think of it like a tiny straw pressed into the area of concern. "12 o'clock" is just a position on a clock face used to describe location, like a map coordinate. This tells the lab precisely where the sample came from.
"Invasive ductal carcinoma, poorly differentiated (Grade 3)"
The diagnosis section tells you what the cells are and how they look under a microscope.
"Poorly differentiated" means the cells look quite different from normal breast cells under a microscope. Doctors grade this 1–3. Grade 3 means the cells look more chaotic — not a sentence, just information your oncologist uses to choose treatment. "Ductal" means it started in the milk ducts.
"Surgical margins: focally positive at the posterior margin"
After a surgical removal, the lab checks the edges of the tissue.
"Margins" are the outer edges of what was removed — like the crust of a loaf of bread. "Positive" means a few cancer cells were found right at the edge, suggesting they may extend slightly beyond what was removed. "Focally" means it's in a very small, specific spot — not the entire edge. Your surgeon will discuss whether additional tissue is needed.
“Now imagine this translated for your specific report.”
Look up any term.
Not ready for the full assessment? Type any word from your report below.
Adenocarcinoma
DiagnosisA type of cancer that forms in mucus-secreting glandular tissue.
Atypical cells
Cell appearanceCells that look abnormal under a microscope but may not be cancerous.
Carcinoma in situ
StagingCancer cells present in the original location without invading surrounding tissue.
Clear margins
SurgicalThe edges of removed tissue show no cancer cells.
Differentiation
GradeHow closely cancer cells resemble normal cells under a microscope.
Grade
GradeA score (1–3) describing how abnormal the cancer cells look.
Showing 6 of 16 terms. Search to find yours.
You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.
The woman sitting in her car after an appointment, holding a folded report she's afraid to Google.
The retired teacher whose dermatologist just used the word "margins" — and didn't explain it.
The spouse searching at 2 a.m. because "atypical cells" won't stop echoing.
How our explanations are written
Every explanation on Biopsy is grounded in current pathology terminology standards and reviewed for plain-language accuracy. We never replace your doctor — we help you arrive at your next appointment with better questions.
Your report has answers.
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