The traditional roles of the pathologist are those of diagnostician, and being able to communicate these diagnoses back to the clinician in a clear unambiguous form so that subsequent therapy can be planned. Important findings may require more direct communication, particularly when the implications involve a choice between therapeutic options. Some diagnoses have implications that require an educational role for the pathologist; these in turn may evolve into a research role, based on clinico-pathological correlation, active basic science research or simply supplying tissue for research. Clinicians must also be aware that the same biopsy can be interpreted in numerous ways, depending upon the clinical situation.