Dr. James Andrew Stith, MD

I had surgery to obtain a specimen to create a pathology report on an area in my colon. The specimen was sent for initial reading to this physician who read the specimen as invasive adenocarcinoma. I was told by my surgeon based on this pathology reading that I needed a colostomy and if I had a spread of this cancer treatment was futile. I had my slides sent to a major NE teaching hospital. I did not have cancer. I had a high grade dysplasia and only removal of the surrounding area was needed. No cancer, no colostomy, no chemotherapy or radiation. Never ever take the first readings of any pathologist as valid. Send for second and even third opinions. You may not get another chance. I hope this physician reads this and will take pause to realize the critical nature of his readings on pathology specimens. If I met you, I would ask why did you misread my slides? What have you learned about the vital nature of your readings?