Cancer datasets and tissue pathways
The College's Datasets for Histopathological Reporting on Cancers are vital for standardising cancer reporting methods among pathologists. These datasets define the range of acceptable practice in handling pathology specimens, and enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment quality.
Cancer datasets encompass structured collections of data related to cancer patients. Tissue pathways are instrumental in defining best practices when handling pathology specimens from patients who do not have cancer. These guidelines are pivotal in raising the bar for healthcare standards in pathology.
TNM 9 is to be implemented in most specialties for patients diagnosed on or after 1 January 2026. A full list of staging systems to be used (by specialty) is available in the Recommendations from the Recommendation on the use of tumour staging systems from the College’s Working Group on Cancer Services. See below for the full list of staging recommendations for each specialty.
The updated TNM 9 staging appendices are now available accompanying the datasets below.
Webinar programme: guidance for implementation of new and revised guidelines
The Professional Guidelines team are launching an online learning programme to further support pathologists with the implementation of new and revised clinical guidelines. Click here for more information and to book a place onto one of the upcoming webinars.
Endocrine system
Adult adrenal gland
January 2017
March 2024
Thyroid
August 2023
Tissue pathways for endocrine pathology
April 2019
Eye
Ocular retinoblastoma
January 2025
Conjunctival melanoma
October 2017
October 2007
Head and neck
Pharynx
As the 2022 revised minimum dataset for reporting of cancers of the oropharynx and nasopharynx does not include the hypopharynx, we have also retained the old minimum dataset for reporting of cancers of the pharynx (2013) for reference. This will be removed once the new minimum dataset for reporting of cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx is published.
Nodal excisions & neck dissection
We would like to inform you that while this guideline has previously undergone consultation, it will not be published in its current form. The guideline is being reviewed again following the release of the new ICCR, as it is essential to ensure it aligns with our core data requirements.
Due to the comprehensive nature of this review, which involves a complete revision and rewrite of the content, the guideline will need to go through all stages of consultation and approval again, effectively starting the process from the beginning.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to deliver a high-quality, evidence-based guideline that meets the latest standards.