Central pathology review of lymphomas in Wales commenced in January 1998 in response to recommendations made by the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group for haematological malignancies in Wales, the Calman-Hine report and following discussions with Welsh histopathologists (Department of Health Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services 1994;  A Report by the Cancer Services Expert Group 1996).  The All Wales Lymphoma Pathology Group comprises 4 consultant histopathologists with expertise in haematopathology, based at 2 strategically placed cancer centres in Wales, supported by both their own laboratories for immunophenotyping and a central integrated laboratory facility at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The central laboratory provides extended immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, conventional and interphase cytogenetics and molecular genetic studies. Sixteen District General Hospitals in Wales serving a population of 2.9 million persons participate in the Review Scheme.

The purpose of the Central Pathological Review was to provide:

·        A referral diagnostic service for primary haematopathological diagnosis

·        Central pathological review of lymphomas in which the primary/provisional diagnosis was established at the District General Hospital by the general histopathologist.

The Panel initially started as a pilot project. Having provided evidence on accuracy of diagnosis of lymphoproliferative conditions, highlighting the need for a centralised diagnostic service, the project gained financial support from the Welsh Assembly and the Health Commission for Wales. In 2002 it was fully established as all Wales diagnostic and review service with dedicated technical laboratory support and staff.

Having started with a review of 20% of new diagnoses of lymphoma in the first year, in 2005 100% of  new or relapsed cases of lymphoma in Wales were diagnosed or reviewed centrally by the Panel. There are approximately 1200-1300 cases of lymphoproliferative processes referred to the Panel each year. 

From this substantial diagnostic material generated over a period of 10 year the Panel has established a teaching resource for junior pathologists and Consultants.