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HER2 positivity is based on the fundamental principle of amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene resulting in overexpression of the protein products . Arising from that a "HER2-positive cancer" is one that shows HER2 gene amplification and resultant protein expression as demonstrated by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Testing of the HER2 status is crucial to ensure selection of the correct patient who may benefit from target therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Accurate testing is dependent on several pre-analytical and analytical factors including sample selection, laboratory techniques, and accurate interpretation of HER2 test results.

An esophagogastrectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed for treatment of confirmed localized esophageal and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Proper macroscopic assessment and cut-up technique is essential to ensure that the overall assessment is correct and reproducible. Here, we describe a standard for macroscopic assessment and dissection to be used for routine handling of esophagogastrectomy specimens in the clinical laboratory.

Pathological assessment of tissue is the gold standard for diagnosis and staging of neoplasia and provides key prognostic information for clinical management. Proper macroscopic assessment and cut-up technique is essential to ensure that the overall assessment is correct and reproducible. Endoscopic mucosal resection is a technique used for removing early neoplastic glandular lesions of the esophagus at the level of submucosa. Here, we describe the macroscopic assessment and dissection techniques used for the routine handling of endoscopic mucosal resection specimens in the clinical laboratory.