Ovarian cancer pathology outlines: what the report means

A pathologist examines cells or tissue removed during a biopsy or operation. The report may name the tumour’s cell type, such as a high-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell or mucinous pattern. It may also describe grade, which reflects how unusual the cells look and how actively they appear to be growing. These terms are different from stage: stage describes where cancer is found in the body.

The report can mention whether the sample contains cancer, borderline change or a non-cancerous growth. It may record whether the outer surface, nearby tissue or sampled lymph nodes contain tumour cells. Additional laboratory tests can identify markers that help the oncology team select treatment. A result needs to be read alongside scans, examination findings and the operation note.

Ask for a copy of the final report and mark unfamiliar terms before your appointment. Ask which diagnosis is confirmed, whether the sample was representative, and whether further tests are planned. A pelvic ultrasound may help assess an adnexal mass, while genomic tumour profiling can identify changes relevant to treatment decisions. If surgery is discussed, ask what an oophorectomy or ovarian debulking surgery would involve and how the findings affect that choice.

Contact your oncology or gynaecology team promptly if you cannot understand whether a result is preliminary or final, if a planned appointment has not been arranged, or if you develop worsening pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, heavy vaginal bleeding or difficulty breathing. Seek urgent medical help for severe pain, fainting, collapse or sudden breathing difficulty.

Which tumour type and grade are shown? What stage information is available? Were the margins, surface and lymph nodes assessed? Do additional marker or genomic tests change the treatment options?