Intraoperative Frozen Section Assessment of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Ali Rohanna, Hanly Ann M, Naughton Peter, Castineira Constantino F, Landers Rob, Cahill Ronan A, Watson R Gordon
Primary Institution: Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section analysis of sentinel lymph nodes compared to standard pathological evaluation.
Conclusion
Intraoperative frozen section reliably evaluates sentinel node status, allowing most women to complete their surgery in a single stage.
Supporting Evidence
- Intraoperative frozen section correctly predicted axillary involvement in 76% of patients with lymphatic metastases.
- 93% of women were able to complete their surgery in a single operation.
- Negative predictive values were highest in women with T1 tumors at 97%.
Takeaway
Doctors can check if a lymph node has cancer during breast surgery, which helps them finish the surgery in one go instead of needing another operation later.
Methodology
The study involved 94 women undergoing surgery for invasive breast cancer, with intraoperative frozen section analysis of sentinel lymph nodes compared to formal pathological examination.
Limitations
The study may not fully address the significance of micrometastatic disease detection.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 60 years, with a range from 35 to 81 years; 76 cancers were ductal adenocarcinoma and 18 were lobular.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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