Reading a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Pathology Report Can Feel Overwhelming

If you’ve ever opened a pathology report and felt confused or anxious by the terminology, you’re not alone. These reports are written for medical professionals and often appear in patient portals before a doctor has had the chance to walk through the results.

For people being evaluated for squamous cell carcinoma, understanding even a few key terms can help reduce uncertainty and make conversations with your care team more productive.

What information does a pathology report include?

While reports can look different depending on the lab, most contain a few core sections, including:

• The final diagnosis

• Whether changes are precancerous or cancerous

• How deep the cancer extends into the skin

• Additional features that may affect treatment decisions

Seeing words like “in situ,” “invasive,” or unfamiliar descriptions can feel alarming without context. That’s why having a trusted explanation matters.

A resource designed for patients and caregivers

We’ve created a step-by-step educational guide that explains the most common sections of a Squamous Cell Carcinoma pathology report, what the terminology means, and how these findings are typically used in care decisions.

The guide is written in plain language and grounded in current medical evidence, with the goal of helping patients feel more informed, not overwhelmed.

Read the full guide in our Education Hub:

You can explore Understanding Your Pathology Report: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, authored by Caroline Mortelliti. The guide walks through common pathology terms in clear, patient-friendly language and explains what different findings may mean.

A final note

A pathology report is only one part of your care journey. Your healthcare team is always the best source for guidance specific to your situation. Educational resources can help you prepare questions and better understand what you’re seeing, but they don’t replace medical advice.

At Skin Cancer Champions, our mission is to provide clear, medically grounded education and a supportive community for people affected by skin cancer.