Real-Time Histological Evaluation in Pediatric Surgical Oncology
Author Information
Author(s): Di Fabrizio Donatella, Bindi Edoardo, Ilari Michele, Filosa Alessandra, Goteri Gaia, Cobellis Giovanni, Ballouhey Quentin
Primary Institution: Salesi Children’s Hospital, Polytechnic University of Marche
Hypothesis
This study aimed to present the first utilization of fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) in pediatric surgical oncology, focusing on assessing the benefits, particularly in facilitating rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Conclusion
FCM represents a significant advancement in pathological imaging technology, offering potential benefits in enhancing traditional tissue processing methods.
Supporting Evidence
- All five lesions were deemed suitable for evaluation using FCM.
- Preliminary diagnoses included atypical Spitz nevus, Wilm’s tumor, lymph node reactive hyperplasia, malignant germ cell tumor of the testis, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Final histopathological analyses confirmed the preliminary diagnoses.
- There was a high level of agreement between FCM evaluation and definitive histological examination.
Takeaway
This study shows that a new imaging technique can help doctors see and understand tumors in children much faster than before, which can help them start treatment sooner.
Methodology
Five consecutive patients undergoing surgical biopsy had their tissue samples analyzed using FCM without sectioning, followed by conventional methods.
Limitations
FCM may experience photobleaching and has lower resolution compared to advanced light microscopy techniques.
Participant Demographics
Three males (60%) and two females (40%), mean age 10.8 years, ranging from 5 to 15 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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