The cancer datasets published by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) are a combination
of textual guidance, educational information and reporting proformas. The datasets enable
pathologists to grade and stage cancers in an accurate, consistent manner in compliance with
international standards and provide prognostic information, thereby allowing clinicians to provide a
high standard of care for patients and appropriate management for specific clinical
circumstances. This guideline has been developed to cover most common circumstances. However,
we recognise that guidelines cannot anticipate every pathological specimen type and clinical
scenario. Occasional variation from the practice recommended in this guideline may therefore be
required to report a specimen in a way that maximises benefit to the patient
