Pathology of breast cancer

The accurate diagnosis of breast cancer and the pathological assessment of breast cancer tissue are key roles undertaken by pathologists working within the field of breast disease. It is essential to differentiate the pathological changes of benign breast disease from those of early and established breast cancer. Once cancer is confirmed, the pathologist is required to provide an evaluation of the pathological features determining prognosis and the requirement for further treatment(s). The pathologist undertakes these roles as a member of the breast cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT), who meet regularly within each breast cancer unit to discuss new patients who may have breast cancer and those with confirmed diagnoses in which the treatment plan requires definition.