margin assessment
Pathological evaluation of the tissue edges surrounding a resected tumor to determine completeness of excision.
Full Definition
Margin assessment is the systematic pathological examination of the surgical borders of a tumor specimen to determine whether cancer cells extend to the edge of the resected tissue. This evaluation is fundamental to surgical oncology outcomes, as positive margins (cancer cells at the cut edge) indicate incomplete resection and significantly impact local recurrence risk and patient prognosis. Margins are typically classified as negative (clear), close (cancer cells near but not at the edge), or positive (cancer cells at the edge). The distance required for negative margins varies by tumor type and anatomical location. Intraoperative margin assessment may be performed via frozen section, while final margin status is determined through permanent section histopathology with specific measurements documented.
Usage
Usage note: Report specific margin distances in millimeters rather than just positive/negative status when possible.
In Context
- "Final margin assessment revealed negative margins with the closest margin measuring 8mm from the tumor edge." — Pathology report
- "Intraoperative margin assessment by frozen section allowed immediate re-excision of close margins." — Operative report