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Comparative Study
. 2006 Oct;192(4):538-40.
doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2006.06.009.

Influence of breast cancer margin assessment method on the rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma

Jane E Méndez  1 , Wayne W Lamorte, Antonio de Las Morenas, Sandra Cerda, Robert Pistey, Thomas King, Maureen Kavanah, Erwin Hirsch, Michael D Stone
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Influence of breast cancer margin assessment method on the rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma

Jane E Méndez et al. Am J Surg. 2006 Oct.

Abstract

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.

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