Minimum pathology reporting standard for gastro-intestinal cancers in Nigeria: A draft proposal

Aim : To develop and adopt minimum pathology reporting checklists for gastric and colorectal cancers in Nigeria Methods: Three pathologists with special interest in Gastrointestinal (GI) pathology were mandated to develop minimum data to be included in pathology reporting of GI cancers in Nigeria. Their proposals were presented at the pre conference workshop of the Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria / Africa- Middle East Association of Gastroenterology (SOGHIN/ AMAGE) which held in Calabar, Nigeria between November 20 th and 21 st 2012. Result : Two separate and distinct formats for reporting gastric and colorectal resection specimens presented to a group of selected pathologists with special interest in GI pathology was adopted after due editing and refinement. The final draft was recommended for use in the reporting of gastric and colorectal cancers in Nigeria. Conclusion : The adopted proforma was strongly recommended for reporting Gastric and Colo-rectal carcinomas by all practicing pathologists in Nigeria to improve the quality and consistency of reports. Keywords : Proforma reporting, gastrointestinal cancers.