Publications of Faculty of Medicine:Intraoperative Lumpectomy Margins Assessment in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Treated With Breast Conservation Therapy: Frozen Section Analysis versus Imprint Cytology: Abstract

This cross-sectional comparative randomised study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of Intraoperative lumpectomy margins assessment in patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with Breast-conserving therapy ;frozen section analysis versus imprint cytology. The study comprised 40 female patients with mean age of 47.1±5.5. The patients were randomized into 2 equal groups: frozen section group & imprint group. After adequate margins had been achieved, additional 5 mm normal breast tissue:, were removed all around the wound site and subjected to paraffin section examination. There was a nonsignificant difference in both groups as regards the need of intraoperative re-excision. The mean operative time was significantly longer in frozen section group (105.4* 17.4 minutes) compared to that recorded in imprint group (85.1416.2 minutes). On paraffin section examination, there was a significant higher rate of positive margin in frozen section group. The accuracy rate of frozen section analysis and imprint cytology to define positive margin was 85% & 100% respectively. Both techniques were effective in reducing the need of a second operation for margin control. However, imprint cytology; in addition to saving tissue for paraffin histopathological examination; has the advantages of being more accurate to ensure clear margins with significant decrease in the operative time.