[Histonet] sentinel biopsies

[Dr. Umit Ince]

We receive the nodes fresh. Bisection if the thickness is less than 0,6 cm. 
If more, we try to trim into three (or rarely four) slices. Than, prepare 2 
slides from each surface. One imprint and one scrape, which are rapid H&E or 
MGG-quick stained.  Than submit each slice in seperate cassettes. We do not 
concern about radiation issue and process as routine. We cut the  the block 
without any trimming to avoid any tisue loss. Serial sections 50 microns 
apart are done, till the end of the tissue. This method usually produces a 
lot of slides. However one can be sure that, no micrometastasis is left 
behind in the  block.  If primary tumor diagnosis is lobular carcinoma, each 
serial section might be  accompanied by one unstained positively charged 
slide for probable IHC.
According to our experience (more than 21.000 surgicals and about 25.000 
cytology cases annually) , frozen sectioning, does not give any additonal 
information compared to cytology slides and the risk of tissue loss or 
suboptimal morphology due to freezing artefacts is a real threat.

U. Ince MD
Pathologist
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Satterfield, Marirose" <Marirose.Satterfield <@t> MercyMemorial.org>
To: <histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 1:32 PM
Subject: [Histonet] sentinel biopsies


>I would like to know how everyone is handling these biopsies. Extremely
> interested in if you facility does frozen sections or touch prints and 
> what
> special handling (if any) you do. Our pathologists are discussing these
> options with a surgeon and we would like to know how everyone else is
> handling these specimens. I cannot find any CAP guidelines. Any input 
> would
> be appreciated.
> M. Satterfield
>
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