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.
As of June 2026 there have been minor updates to SNOMED coding and terms for the datasets so for up to date codes please refer to the separate appendices rather than the dataset document itself.
Breast
Reporting of breast disease in surgical excision specimens
An audit of breast cancer grading
Updated Appendix E SNOMED codes for breast pathology
Guidelines for non-operative diagnostic procedures and reporting in breast cancer screening
Appendix F Reporting proforma for breast core biopsy
Appendix H Reporting proforma for breast FNAC
Appendix I Reporting proforma for axillary FNAC
Appendix J Reporting proforma for axillary core biopsy
An audit of core biopsy diagnosis of breast lesions
Central nervous system
Eye
Gastrointestinal tract
Gynaecological tract
Tissue pathways for gynaecological pathology
Tissue pathway for histopathological examination of the placenta
G108 Tissue pathway for histopathological examination of the placenta
An audit of quality of reporting placental pathology
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We would like to inform you that while this guideline has previously undergone consultation, it will not be published in its current form.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.
Nasal cavities & paranasal sinuses