Expert Pathology Consultation Service
- Trust our American Board-Certified pathologists for thorough reviews and expert consultations.
- Get peace of mind with our reliable second opinion service.
Did you have a negative biopsy result? Negative may not be true negative
- Did you know most of the biopsies that are declared negative get only one set of eyes? Biopsies deemed negative are reviewed by ONE pathologist and only a very small fraction of those get a random secondary review. Negative may not mean TRUE negative.
- At Stellar Pathology, we leave no stone unturned to ensure your biopsy gets a comprehensive diagnostic attention by our American Board Certified pathologists.
- Get Peace of Mind with a Guaranteed Second Set of Eyes!
What Does False Negative Result Mean?
Think of it this way:
- The truth: The patient does have a certain condition (like cancer).
- The test result (biopsy): The pathology report says the tissue is normal or doesn’t show that condition.
- The error: A “false negative” occurred when the pathology report indicated “negative” (no disease found), while the correct result should have been “positive” (disease present), possibly due to factors related to the biopsy procedure or the interpretation of the pathology sample. Hence, “False Negative.”
A false negative pathology diagnostic report can have serious implications for a patient because it can lead to:
- Delayed or missed diagnosis: The underlying condition may go untreated, potentially allowing it to progress.
- Lack of appropriate treatment: Without a correct diagnosis, the patient won’t receive the necessary medical interventions.
- False sense of security: The patient may believe they are healthy when they are not.
About A Year Has Passed Since My Biopsy. Could I Still Inquire About Getting A Second Opinion?
Absolutely yes!
Here is why:
Most countries have regulations that require laboratories to act as custodians of biopsy diagnostic material. As an example, in United States and Canada:
- Slides must be stored for TEN YEARS and be available for re-examination upon request.
- Tissue blocks, from which additional slides can be prepared, must be stored for at least TWO YEARS.
So the answer is a resounding YES!
In this example, you can request a second opinion on a biopsy performed within the last TEN YEARS.
What Are the Reasons For False Negative Biopsy Pathology Results?
- Sampling Error (during biopsy): At the biopsy level, macroscopic sampling error means the tissue sample taken doesn’t truly represent the problem area. Even if a pathologist carefully checks the slides, a diagnosis can be missed if the biopsy didn’t get the right cells. It’s like trying to find a specific type of rare tree in a huge forest, but only grabbing common bushes from the very edge. If the biopsy misses the most important part of what’s wrong, vital information for a diagnosis might be missing from the start, which could lead to delays or incorrect results.
- Sampling Error (at a microscopic level): Even within an adequately represented biopsy, the specific area the pathologist examines on the slide might miss the crucial cancerous cells. It’s a bit like looking for a few specific needles in a haystack. If multiple slides are not prepared to get a better glimpse of the sample, the diagnosis can be easily missed.
- Tumor Heterogeneity: Cancers aren’t uniform. The small piece of tissue taken in the biopsy might not contain the most representative or characteristic cells of the entire tumor. Think of it like trying to understand a whole apple by only tasting one bite – that bite might not be representative of the whole fruit.
- Interpretation Challenges: Recognizing cancer cells under a microscope can be complex. Some cancers have subtle features, mimic benign conditions, or have unusual growth patterns that can make diagnosis difficult, even for experienced pathologists.
- Technical Artifacts: While the initial biopsy might be good, issues during tissue processing, staining, or slide preparation can sometimes distort the cells and make them harder to interpret accurately.
- Limited Understanding of Certain Diseases: For some rare or newly discovered cancers, the full spectrum of their appearance under a microscope might not be completely understood, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
Advantages of Comprehensive Pathology Diagnostic Consultation
Accuracy Confirmation
It refutes or confirms if the initial diagnosis is correct, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis.
Multiple Perspectives
Involves input from various specialists, leading to a more comprehensive evaluation.
Peace of Mind
Provides psychological reassurance and confidence in the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Better Treatment Planning for Better Outcome
Helps modify, refine and optimize the treatment plan based on a more accurate diagnosis.
Prevention of Unnecessary Treatments
Avoids unnecessary treatments that may have been recommended based on an incorrect diagnosis.
by Dr. Hailu
Seeking a second opinion for pathology can be incredibly beneficial. Here are more reasons:
- Identification of Subtypes: Helps identify specific subtypes of diseases, which can influence treatment options.
- Access to Clinical Trials: Opens up opportunities for new and innovative treatments that may not have been previously considered.
- Quality Assurance: Ensures that the initial testing process was accurate and free from errors.
- Early Detection: Can identify conditions that were missed in the initial diagnosis.
- Improved Prognosis: Can lead to a better prognosis by ensuring the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Take Control of Your Own Health!
Every year thousands of cancerous and non-cancerous diagnosis get missed, delaying a precious window of early diagnosis, treatment, and cure.
By seeking second set of eyes for your biopsy (whether it is positive or negative) by a board certified pathologist, you are protecting yourself from the dangers of misdiagnosis and delayed care.
Your life is worth investing in.
Best of all, it is truly affordable.
"I want to ensure I have the most accurate diagnosis possible."
- True
Ensuring the accuracy of your diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and peace of mind.
"Confirming my diagnosis will give me peace of mind."
- True
Peace of mind is an emotional benefit of seeking a second opinion and is essential for coping with a diagnosis and can significantly impact your overall well-being.
"A second opinion can provide valuable insights that might have been missed."
- True
Different doctors may notice different details, which can be crucial for a comprehensive understanding of your condition.
"I need to be confident in my diagnosis before proceeding with any treatment."
- True
Confidence in your diagnosis is necessary to make informed decisions about your treatment. This statement highlights the need for certainty before taking action.
"It's vital to have more than one professional opinion on my condition."
- True
It is important to have multiple perspectives to gain a well-rounded understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options.
"A second opinion can help avoid potential diagnostic errors and confirming the diagnosis can prevent unnecessary treatments."
- True
Preventing unnecessary treatments reduces the risk of side effects and the emotional and financial burden of ineffective care.
"Having another doctor review my case can provide a fresh perspective."
- True
A fresh perspective might uncover new information or approaches that can improve your diagnosis or treatment.
It is important to have multiple perspectives to gain a well-rounded understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options.
Complete Pathology Report
Receive a detailed report with our expert opinion and explanations.
Microscopic Images:
View the actual illness/tumor cells with descriptions.
Pathology Services We Provide
General Surgical Pathology
Stellar Pathology offers comprehensive general surgical pathology services, providing fast and accurate pathology results for a wide range of conditions.
- Extensive histology expertise for precise diagnosis
- Expert diagnostic services and timely results
- Consultations on complex cases
- Board-certified pathologists
Dermatopathology/Podiatric Pathology
Our dermatopathology and podiatric pathology services are designed to deliver reliable diagnostic care for skin, hair, and foot conditions.
- Expertise in skin biopsies and nail disorders
- Accurate identification of melanoma and benign moles
- Specialized pathology lab services for dermatology
- Comprehensive analysis of podiatric specimens
Gastrointestinal Pathology
Stellar Pathology provides specialized gastrointestinal pathology services, focusing on diseases of the digestive system.
- Fully equipped to handle gastro-intestinal biopsy specimens
- Inflammatory and neoplastic disease identification
- Board-certified pathologists with subspecialty expertise
- Rapid turnaround
Breast Pathology
Our breast pathology services offer precise and timely diagnostics for breast conditions, including early cancer detection.
- Patient focused breast pathology diagnostics
- Metastatic disease diagnosis and staging
- Comprehensive evaluation of breast biopsies
- Fast and accurate pathology results
Gynecologic Pathology
We offer expert gynecologic pathology services, accurate diagnosis for a range of gynecological conditions.
- Specialized services for cervical, ovarian, and uterine pathology
- Detailed analysis of biopsies for gynecologic conditions
- Fast turnaround
Urologic Pathology
Our urologic pathology service provides thorough diagnostic workup for urinary tract and prostate conditions.
- Subspecialty pathology experts in prostate and bladder cancers
- Comprehensive evaluation of kidney and urinary tract biopsies
- Fast pathology results for urological conditions
- Board-certified pathologists ensuring diagnostic accuracy
Molecular Diagnostics
We provide cutting-edge molecular diagnostics, in partnership with leading reference laboratories for precise cancer detection and targeted treatment options.
- Advanced techniques for DNA and RNA analysis
- Molecular testing for hereditary cancer syndromes
- Personalized medicine through molecular pathology
- Fast and reliable diagnostic care with the latest technology
Laboratory Management & Consultation Services
Stellar Pathology also offers expert laboratory management and consultation services to healthcare providers.
- Comprehensive pathology lab services management
- Pathology consultation for hospital and private practices
- Tailored diagnostic services to meet the needs of healthcare professionals
- Over 30 years of cumulative experience in laboratory operations
Early Detection Saves Lives—Act Now
Don’t let uncertainty delay your treatment—Stellar Pathology provides the fast and precise diagnostics you need. Our expert team is ready to support your healthcare journey with cutting-edge cancer detection services.
Contact us today to get started:
How Our Pathology Services Work
1. Selecting A Biopsy
First, you'll want to locate and select the biopsy you had from our Order Consultations list (e.g. "Skin"). Then just click on it and follow the prompts to proceed with placing your consultation order.
2. Placing Your Order and Consenting
Next, you'll complete your order details, choose your preferred payment option, and then kindly sign the consent form which authorizes us to perform the necessary tests.
3a. Collecting Your Biopsy (USA)
If you're located in the continental US, YOUR PART IS DONE! We'll arrange to receive your biopsy. In most cases, your consent is enough for the laboratory to release your biopsy material. If we run into difficulties, we will contact you.
3b. Collecting Your Biopsy (International Clients)
For our international clients, you'll need to request and arrange shipment of your slides and tissue blocks from the original laboratory directly to us, as this method is typically the most efficient. We will provide further instructions right after your order.
4. High Complexity Laboratory Analysis
Once biopsy is received at our laboratory, our skilled pathologists and lab team will meticulously perform detailed histology analyses using cutting-edge technology to ensure swift, precise results and a complete diagnostic assessment.
5. Final Consultation Diagnosis & Reporting
After the analysis is complete, our pathologists will prepare a comprehensive diagnostic report containing crucial histopathologic findings, which we will promptly share with you so you can arrange your next steps.
