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pathologic diagnosis

(PA-thuh-LAH-jik DY-ug-NOH-sis)
Identifying a disease or condition by examining cells and tissues under a microscope. In cancer, a pathologic diagnosis usually includes information about the cancer type, grade (how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the cancer cells are likely to grow and spread), and stage (the extent of cancer in the body). It may also include information about any special features of the cancer, such as the presence of hormone receptors or other tumor markers.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms