Differences in the diameter of the tumour and the
distance from the surgical margins between unfixed and fixed specimens
Leodara V, Vecchini G, Arapantoni-Dadioti P
Pathology Dpt. METAXA Cancer Hosp., Piraeus, Greece
The aim of this study was to document the percentage of shrinkage
of the tissues following formalin fixation. We studied large bowel
and breast specimens. The diameter of the tumour and the distance
from the proximal surgical margin were measured. The measurements
were taken at the time of submission to the pathology department,
24 hours and 3 days following submission. In conclusion, maximum
shrinkage occurs in fixed large bowel which eventually shrinks
to 72,26% of its original length (percent of shrinkage 27,74).
In breast specimens fixation doesn't affect as much the tumor
or the surgical margins. Since the distance of the tumour from
the surgical margin is of great importance in the assesment of
excision adequacy, and the diameter of the tumour has great prognostic importance it is advisable that the measurements are taken
in fresh, unfixed specimens.
Key words: Resection margins, specimen's fixation, breast,
large bowel.
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