Current Issues and Problems in Breast Pathology

Date: June 8-10, 2009
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Credits: 20.75 CME

Core Competencies: PC, MK, ICS, PBL, PR, SBP
Intended Audience: Pathologists, Residents, Pathologist Assistants

What’s NEW in Breast Pathology?

• A discussion of prognostic and predictive markers inclusive of Oncotype and Mammaprint assays.
• Correlation of molecular/gene-expression based and morphofunctional classification of breast carcinomas.
• Presentation of the latest on mammary cancer stem cells hypothesis by one of the pioneers in the field.

Special COURSE FEATURES!

• Individual microscopes provided for the microscopy sessions
• A five-headed microscope for consultation with faculty
• Test your knowledge by diagnosing a set of challenging slides
• Faculty discussion of unknown slides
• Comprehensive course manual
• Coaching by faculty using cases projected via video microscopy
• Bring your problem cases with glass slides to discuss with the faculty
• Pre-and post-tests available on-line. New option: SAM credit offered for part of the course.

Ready to take a leading role in coaching your clinical colleagues? This course will provide you with critical new knowledge about diagnostic criteria and special studies so you can become an even more informed participant in the management of breast cancer patients. You’ll hear about recent advances that have enhanced our knowledge in major areas, including basic morphology of the mammary duct system, major breast diseases, prognostic factors, the concept of ductal intraepithelial neoplasia, and more.

In addition, you’ll have a unique opportunity to focus on many of the more uncommon lesions, such as microglandular adenosis, which continues to be misinterpreted as an invasive carcinoma. You’ll also be challenged to address troublesome issues, including early invasive carcinomas, interpretation of small samples of a radial scar on core biopsies, application of proper markers, and flat epithelial atypia.

Highlights: Keep your knowledge on the cutting edge with the latest information about –

• The new WHO Classification of breast lesions
• Diagnostic approach to spindle cell tumors of the breast
• Pathologic findings in sentinel node
• Interpretations based on core biopsy
• Prognostic markers
• Use of immunostains
• The new Hercep test and its impact on patient management

Bring your challenging slides for discussions with the faculty and evaluate your knowledge with self-assessment options. You’ll receive a comprehensive course syllabus on site.

Following this course, you will be able to:

• Classify carcinomas using the (DIN) classification and translate hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia, and various grades of in situ carcinoma into the DIN system.
• Distinguish radial scar and complex sclerosing lesions from invasive carcinoma.
• Diagnose various patterns of papilloma and papillary carcinoma.
• Grade invasive carcinomas and biphasic lesions of the breast.
• Interpret prognostic factors most relevant to patient management.
• Assess the value of molecular diagnostics in breast pathology.
• State the implications of flat epithelial atypia.
• Distinguish various patterns of adenosis from carcinoma and recognize a variety of benign and malignant mammary lesions.
• Compare and contrast the values and pitfalls of core biopsies and sentinel node biopsy.

The ASCP designates these educational activities for a maximum of 20.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activities.

This activity meets MOC Part II Lifelong Learning requirements. A self-assessment option is available for pathologists attending this program to earn SAM credits for Maintenance of Certification, Part II Self-Assessment Modules (MOC-SAM) for part of the course. For MOC brochure, click here.