When examining the tumour, pathologists look for the following three microscopic features: The Nottingham grade can only be determined after the tumour is examined under the microscope. How do pathologists determine the Nottingham grade for invasive mucinous carcinoma? The grade is important because grade 2 and grade 3 tumours tend to grow more quickly and are more likely to spread to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes. Pathologists use a system called the Nottingham grading system to divide invasive mucinous carcinoma into three levels or grades – 1, 2, and 3.

What is the Nottingham grade and why is it important? These features are explained in the sections below. Additional information will include the tumour size, presence or absence of lymphovascular invasion, assessment of margins, descriptions of any lymph nodes examined, and the pathologic stage. Depending on what the pathologist sees when examining the tumour under the microscope, some of the information (for example the histologic grade) may be different from the original biopsy report. This report will include some of the information previously found in your biopsy report such as the diagnosis and histologic grade. What to look for in your pathology report after the tumour has been removed For invasive mucinous carcinoma of the breast, the biopsy report will usually include the histologic grade and the results of any breast biomarker tests performed (for example estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2). The purpose of a biopsy report is to provide a diagnosis and any pathologic information needed to start treatment planning. What to look for in your pathology report after a biopsy The tissue is then sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope. The diagnosis of invasive mucinous carcinoma is usually made after a small sample of the tumour is removed in a procedure called a biopsy. How is the diagnosis of invasive mucinous carcinoma made? Compared to the more common invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive mucinous carcinoma is more likely to develop in women over the age of 70 years and is less likely to spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. In order to be called mucinous carcinoma, at least 90% of the tumour needs to be made up of mucin. Invasive mucinous carcinoma is a type of breast cancer where the tumour cells are surrounded by a thick fluid called mucin. What is invasive mucinous carcinoma of the breast?

Nottingham histologic score 3