Influence of breast cancer margin assessment method on the rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
We hypothesized that the method of breast cancer margin assessment may be associated with different rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma.


METHODS
A total of 178 breast cancer specimens were divided into 2 groups (A and B) based on the margin assessment method used. Rates of positive margins, re-excision, and residual carcinoma at re-excision were compared and analyzed statistically.


RESULTS
At least 1 margin was positive in 64.7% in group A and in 65.2% in group B. At directed re-excision 54% in group A and 51% in group B had residual carcinoma. The lateral margin was positive in 44% in group A compared with 26% in group B (P = .06). The posterior margin was positive in 19% in group A and in 51% in group B (P = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Two different breast cancer specimen margin assessment methods had comparable rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma at re-excision. Different patterns of specific margin positivity suggest that the method of margin assessment may alter results.
Méndez
Jane E
JE
Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 88 E. Newton St., D 509, Boston, MA 02118, USA. jane.mendez@bmc.org
Lamorte
Wayne W
WW
de Las Morenas
Antonio
A
Cerda
Sandra
S
Pistey
Robert
R
King
Thomas
T
Kavanah
Maureen
M
Hirsch
Erwin
E
Stone
Michael D
MD
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques; D006801:Humans; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D012189:Retrospective Studies