The pathologist and the residual tumor (R) classification.
The R classification, adopted in 1987 by the UICC, denotes absence or presence of residual tumor after treatment. Residual tumor may be localized in the area of the primary tumor and/or as distant metastases. R0 corresponds to resection for cure or complete remission. R1 to microscopic residual tumor, R2 to macroscopic residual tumor. The R classification takes into account clinical and pathological findings. A reliable classification requires the pathological examination of resection margins. The R classification has considerable clinical significance, particularly being a strong predictor of prognosis. General and specific procedures for performing pathological R classification on resection specimens of different organs will be described. New methods in R classification comprise imprint cytology, cytolocial examination of ascites, examination of bone marrow biopsy. The importance of these methods will have to be established in the future.
Hermanek
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P
Chirurgische Klinik, Universität Erlangen, Germany.
Wittekind
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C
D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010336:Pathology / Q000379:methods*; D011184:Postoperative Period