Purpose
This cross-sectional comparative randomized 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.
Patient and Methods
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 tissues were removed all around the wound site and subjected to paraffin section examination.
Results
There was a non-significant 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 (85.1±16.2 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.
Conclusion
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 histo-pathological examination; has the advantages of being more accurate to ensure clear margins with significant decrease in the operative time.
Keywords: Breast-conserving therapy, frozen section, imprint cytology, safety margins. |
