I Might Have Some Bad News: Disclosing Preliminary Pathology Results

Cytopathology is a subspecialty of pathology in which pathologists frequently interact directly with patients. Often this interaction is in the context of fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures performed at the bedside by the cytopathologist or by another clinician with the cytopathologist present. Patient requests for preliminary results in such settings raise fundamental questions about professional scope of practice and communication of uncertainty that apply not merely to pathologists but to all clinicians. In certain settings, cytopathologists may share preliminary diagnostic impressions directly with patients. Essential to these conversations is the need to articulate potential uncertainty about both the diagnosis and next steps. In addition, the involvement and notification of the referring physician is obligatory, both for care coordination and to ensure that patients receive a consistent message.