Cancer datasets and tissue pathways
The College's Datasets for Histopathological Reporting on Cancers are vital for standardising cancer reporting methods among pathologists. These datasets define the range of acceptable practice in handling pathology specimens, and enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment quality.
Cancer datasets encompass structured collections of data related to cancer patients. Tissue pathways are instrumental in defining best practices when handling pathology specimens from patients who do not have cancer. These guidelines are pivotal in raising the bar for healthcare standards in pathology.
TNM 8 was implemented in many specialties from 1 January 2018. A full list of staging systems to be used (by specialty) is available in the Recommendations from the Working Group on Cancer Services on the use of tumour staging systems and Recommended staging to be collected by Cancer Registries (see right hand column).
Please note that head and neck tumours diagnosed after 1 January 2018 should continue to be reported using TNM 7.
Webinar programme: Guidance for implementation of new and revised guidelines
The Professional Guidelines Department is launching an online learning programme to further support pathologists with the implementation of new and revised clinical guidelines. Click here for more information and to book a place onto one of the upcoming webinars.
Bone and soft tissue
Cardiovascular system
Cardiovascular pathology
April 2018
Endocrine system
Adult adrenal gland
January 2017
January 2012
Parathyroid
September 2023
Thyroid
August 2023
2016 to 2017
Tissue pathways for endocrine pathology
April 2019
Eye
Ocular retinoblastoma
January 2018
Conjunctival melanoma
October 2017
October 2007
Uveal melanoma
December 2021
Gastrointestinal tract
Anal
March 2018
Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours
September 2012
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours
January 2020
Oesophagus
October 2019
Gynaecological tract
Cervix
March 2021
Endometrium
December 2017
Uterine Sarcoma
September 2018
Tissue pathways for gynaecological pathology
January 2015
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G073 Tissue pathways for gynaecological pathology
February 2023
Head and neck
Oral cavity
October 2023
Pharynx
WATCH THE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE FOR REPORTING CARCINOMAS OF NASOPHARYNX AND OROPHARYNX WEBINAR
November 2013
December 2021
As the 2022 revised minimum dataset for reporting of cancers of the oropharynx and nasopharynx does not include the hypopharynx, we have also retained the old minimum dataset for reporting of cancers of the pharynx (2013) for reference. This will be removed once the new minimum dataset for reporting of cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx is published.
Nodal excisions & neck dissection
November 2013
Larynx
November 2013
Nasal cavities & paranasal sinuses
November 2013
Salivary gland
November 2013
Tissue pathways for head and neck pathology
October 2023
Hypopharynx, larynx and trachea
June 2023
Lung and thorax
Lymph node and bone marrow
Urinary tract and testis
Penis
October 2017
July 2015
Prostate
October 2017
June 2016
Renal
November 2017
Tissue pathways for urological pathology
July 2017
Tissue pathways for renal transplant biopsies
January 2021