What does the pathology report really mean?

The correct histological diagnosis, the extent of the tumor, and the histological variables that affect prognosis are important in selecting the initial treatment and determining the need for and type of additional therapy. Therefore, a pathology report should include the following information: (1) histological classification, seminoma versus nonseminomatous germ cell tumor, including the percentage of germ cell components for the latter; (2) presence of vascular and/or lymphatic invasion; (3) involvement of spermatic cord or epididymis; (4) status of cord margin of resection; and (5) a statement about whether viable carcinoma or teratomatous elements are present in the metastatic specimen after chemotherapy. For nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, the pathology report should include a statement about whether the tumor is pure or mixed, and if the latter, the relative amount of each component.