Position statement on the pathological assessment of pancreatic resection specimens in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees and the Societat Catalana d'Anatomia Patològica.

BACKGROUND

The lack of standardised protocols for the pathological assessment of pancreatic resection specimens in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma results in substantial variability in diagnostic practice, with relevant clinical and organisational implications.

OBJECTIVE

To present a position statement of the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees (SCPanc) and the Societat Catalana d'Anatomia Patològica (SCAP) on the pathological assessment of pancreatic resection specimens in exocrine pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Both scientific societies appointed a panel of experts in pancreatic pathology. The document was developed through a narrative literature review, iterative expert meetings and consensus-based definition of practical clinical scenarios.

CONTENT: Specimen reception and fixation; grossing protocol; margin sampling (including vascular resections); staging (TNM) and treatment response; reporting templates; practical appendices.

CONCLUSIONS

This position statement provides an original, practice-oriented and consensus-based framework for the pathological assessment of pancreatic resections, aiming to harmonise reporting and support high-quality routine diagnostic practice.