Margin Assessment
Systematic evaluation of tissue boundaries around excised lesions. Critical for determining completeness of tumor removal and need for re-excision.
Full Definition
Margin assessment involves the comprehensive evaluation of tissue boundaries surrounding excised lesions to determine adequacy of tumor removal. This process includes both clinical margin assessment during surgery and histopathologic margin evaluation by pathologists. Clinical margins are measured from the visible tumor edge to the excision boundary, while histopathologic margins assess microscopic tumor clearance in all dimensions. Adequate margin assessment is crucial for preventing local recurrence and optimizing patient outcomes. Different tumor types require specific margin widths, and positive margins typically necessitate re-excision or additional treatment modalities.
Usage
Usage note: Specify clinical versus histopathologic assessment in documentation.
In Context
- "Margin assessment revealed clear boundaries with 5mm clinical margins achieved circumferentially." — intraoperative note
- "Final margin assessment showed positive deep margins requiring additional excision." — pathology addendum