Pathologist's perspective on primary rectal cancer.

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Evaluation of primary rectal cancer specimens places the pathologist in a unique position relative to peers, as it is one of the few specimens where the report influences not just patient outcomes but also the quality of the surgical technique itself. With ever-increasing data indicating that the completeness of the mesorectal excision and adequate resection margins are critical for reduced local recurrence rates and improved clinical outcome, the pathologist is faced with the challenge of implementing methods to optimize the evaluation of primary rectal cancers.