diagnostic sequence for which you are renowned, and you performed a needle biopsy of the mass. The biopsy was sent to a local pathology laboratory and Mrs. Smith was scheduled to return in one week. One week later, Mrs. Smith returned and you read her the pathologist’s report from the needle biopsy: “tumor comprised of loosely aggregated spindle-shaped and triangular shaped cells with thin wispy cytoplasm. The tumor is moderately cellular and the cells are separated by loose stroma. There is no cytologic atypia or increase in mitotic rate. There is no evidence of necrosis.” Unfortunately, the pathologist forgot to type a microscopic diagnosis. You tried to call the pathologist, but all you got was a recorded message that said something about him moving to Honduras to evade a negligence lawsuit stemming from his failure to provide microscopic diagnoses on any of his reports. Fortunately, however, you remembered back to your pathology training and informed Mrs. Smith of her situation. |
