margins
The edge or border of tissue around a tumor that is examined to determine completeness of surgical removal.
Full Definition
In oncologic surgery, margins refer to the rim of normal tissue surrounding a tumor that is removed along with the cancerous mass and subsequently examined by pathologists. Margins are classified as negative (clear), positive (containing cancer cells), or close (cancer cells near the edge). The assessment of surgical margins is critical for determining the adequacy of resection, predicting local recurrence risk, and planning adjuvant therapy. Margin status significantly influences prognosis and treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: In oncologic contexts, always specify margin status (positive, negative, close); avoid generic use of 'margins' without surgical context.
In Context
- "Pathology revealed negative margins with the closest margin measuring 2.3 cm from the tumor." — Pathology report
- "Re-excision was recommended due to positive margins on the anterior aspect." — Multidisciplinary team meeting notes