PHRASEOLOGY IN PATHOLOGY REPORTS - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF INTERPRETATION AMONG PATHOLOGISTS AND SURGEONS

This questionnaire based study compared the interpretation, use and pr eferences, among pathologists and surgeons, of descriptive phrases fou nd in surgical reports. The results show that there is a wide variatio n in individual interpretation of phrases in both groups. The frequenc y of usage of phrases by pathologists and preference for phrases by su rgeons were also diverse. The adoption of a limited number of descript ive phrases that are mutually understood and acceptable for use by bot h pathologists and clinicians is recommended to avoid interpretive amb iguity in pathology reports.