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 8 was implemented in many specialties from 1 January 2018. A full list of staging systems to be used (by specialty) is available in the Recommendations from the Working Group on Cancer Services on the use of tumour staging systems and Recommended staging to be collected by Cancer Registries (see right hand column).
Please note that head and neck tumours diagnosed after 1 January 2018 should continue to be reported using TNM 7.
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
Parathyroid
September 2023
Thyroid
August 2023
2016 to 2017
Tissue pathways for endocrine pathology
April 2019
Eye
Gastrointestinal tract
Anal
April 2024
Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours
September 2012
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours
January 2020
Oesophagus
October 2019
Gynaecological tract
Head and neck
Oral cavity
October 2023
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
November 2013
We would like to inform you that while this guideline has previously undergone consultation, it will not be published in its current form.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
February 2025
Tissue pathways for head and neck pathology
October 2023
Hypopharynx, larynx and trachea
June 2023
Lung and thorax
Lung cancer
September 2018
Mesothelioma
March 2024
Thymic epithelial tumours
October 2017
Tissue pathway for non-neoplastic thoracic pathology
October 2024
Lymph node and bone marrow
Urinary tract and testis
Penis
August 2024
Prostate
October 2024
Renal
November 2017
Tissue pathways for renal transplant biopsies
January 2021