Interobserver variability in the pathological assessment of malignant colorectal polyps

Abstract

Pathological assessment of malignant polyps varies between observers. Specialist pathologists appear to have a higher degree of consensus among themselves than with generalist pathologists with respect to T stage. The high interobserver variability with regard to histological grade of differentiated tumours is clinically irrelevant. However, variability in the assessment of angiolymphatic vessel invasion limits the value of this measurement for clinical decision making.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for T1 rectal cancer: size matters!

“…Accepted low-risk tumors are well to moderately differentiated T1 rectal cancers without lymphatic or vascular invasion [25]. However, evidence is not abundant, and inter-and intra-observer variability in scoring each of those items is not to be underestimated [26][27][28]. This study again questions the reproducibility and predictive value of basic histopathologic staging.…”

The malignant adenoma: when to operate and when to watch

“…They noted that specialist pathologists had a higher degree of consensus among themselves than with generalist pathologists with respect to T stage. High interobserver variability was also seen with regard to histological grade and angiolymphatic invasion [22]. Others have reported interobserver variability and difficulties in the accurate assessment of lymphatic invasion.…”

A population-based study of colorectal cancer histology in the United States, 1998–2001

“…For CRC, studies have shown fair to moderate agreement among pathologists with respect to histologic type 42,43 and histologic grade. 44 Variation in histologic grading by pathologists exists in part because of the lack of a universally accepted standardized grading system. Also, the frequency of grading varies by histologic type and cancer site.…”