Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
frozen section
Rapid histopathologic examination of tissue during surgery to assess margin status.
Full Definition
A rapid histopathologic technique used during surgery to examine tissue specimens in real-time. The tissue is quickly frozen, sectioned, and stained for immediate microscopic examination, typically taking 10-15 minutes. In dermatologic surgery, frozen sections are essential for Mohs surgery and other procedures requiring intraoperative margin assessment. While faster than permanent sections, frozen sections have limitations in tissue quality and may not detect all microscopic cancer cells.
Usage
Usage note: Also called 'intraoperative consultation' in formal pathology reports.
In Context
- "Frozen section analysis revealed positive margins requiring additional tissue removal." — intraoperative consultation
- "The frozen section showed clear margins, allowing immediate wound closure." — operative report
Also known as
intraoperative consultation
Contrasted with
permanent section
paraffin section
Don't confuse with
touch prep
cytology