Review of Hematopathology Consult Cases: A Two-Year Experience in a Tertiary Referral Center in Lebanon

Abstract

Hematopathology remains a difficult diagnostic field. With the significant ongoing changes in the classification system that happened over the past several decades, the general pathologist faces many challenges when dealing with patients suspected to have lymphoma or leukemia. The authors assessed referred hematopathology cases that were reviewed by specialized hematopathologists. Of 309 cases, major discrepancy was found in 23% of them. The discrepancy ranged from lymphoma reclassification to other major revisions that had significant impact on patient treatment and management. This paper highlights some of the challenges that may face the general practicing pathologist when dealing with suspected hematopoietic neoplasms.