tumor margins
The boundaries between tumor tissue and normal brain parenchyma, critical for determining surgical resection limits.
Full Definition
The interface between pathological tumor tissue and normal brain parenchyma, representing the critical boundary that neurosurgeons must identify and respect during resection procedures. Tumor margins may be well-defined (as in many meningiomas) or infiltrative and poorly demarcated (as in high-grade gliomas), significantly affecting surgical strategy and outcomes. Accurate identification of tumor margins is essential for achieving maximal safe resection while preserving neurological function. Various techniques including intraoperative ultrasound, fluorescence-guided surgery, and real-time histopathological analysis help surgeons identify these boundaries. The assessment of tumor margins in the final pathology report determines whether complete resection was achieved.
Usage
Usage note: Typically used in plural form when discussing surgical planning.
In Context
- "The tumor margins were well-defined, allowing for gross total resection with clear boundaries." — Operative report
- "Infiltrative tumor margins made it challenging to distinguish normal brain from pathological tissue." — Surgical case discussion