Misleading terminology in pathology: lack of definitions hampers communication

• DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03069-7
• Publication Date: 2021-04-02T02:02:51Z
• Authors: Zi Long Chow; Blanca Iciar Indave; Menaka Dilani Sam...; Atsushi Ochiai; Ian A. Cree; Valerie A. White
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Brief Report; Communication; Neoplasms; Terminology as Topic; Pathology; Humans; Comprehension; 3. Good health

Abstract Accurate terminology is the basis for clear communication among specialists and relies upon precise definitions, indispensable WHO Classification of Tumours. We identified a number potentially misleading terms in use recently published Tumours, 5 th edition. From list common sources that might be consulted by pathology field, we searched definitions terms. Where at least two provided term, assessed their level agreement using an ad hoc developed scale. 26 from edition Digestive System Breast Tumour Books, 16 sources. The ranged no definition (for four terms) to ten terms). No source had all found only 111 (27%) possible 416 definitions. or more were present between them was judged high. There paucity consulted, but there good when present. In globalized world where healthcare workers learners many fields may access these learn about with which they are unfamiliar, lack hindrance understanding classification speciality specialist groups.