Histopathological Assessment of the Endoscopic Resection Specimen

Endoscopic resection for early neoplastic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract is nowadays the accepted and feasible method also in non-tertiary reference centers. The main clinical advantage is the preserved quality of life compared to larger surgical procedures.

Clinical colleagues need to have basic knowledge of factors that may influence the outcome of histopathology. This article discusses issues connected to the histopathological work-up of endoscopic resection specimens within in the gastrointestinal tract.

Besides the clinical technical prerequisites, standardized histopathology is the key element of the pathology laboratory work-up of endoscopic resection specimens. Overdiagnoses of reactive lesions as low-grade neoplasia lead to incomparable study data and although criteria to overcome this situation exist, they are not accepted worldwide, calling for further efforts in harmonization.