Frozen biopsy is a quick histopathological testing method that can determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant with 92% accuracy within 15-30 minutes. This procedure is typically performed in parallel with surgery to determine the appropriate treatment direction for the patient. Dr. Nguyen Van Thai, Deputy Pathologist at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted the importance of frozen biopsy in guiding surgical decisions and increasing the success rate of surgeries and subsequent treatments.
For patients with early-stage breast cancer, frozen sentinel lymph node biopsy can be crucial in determining the spread of malignant cells. By examining the sentinel lymph node – the first node along the lymphatic drainage path – doctors can assess the risk of cancer spreading to other lymph nodes in the armpit. This information helps in deciding whether axillary lymph nodes need to be removed, preventing complications such as arm lymphedema, reduced sensation, and limited mobility.
The Pathology Unit at Tam Anh General Hospital routinely receives frozen biopsy samples for evaluation. The experienced team of pathologists performs quick analyses to provide accurate results that guide the surgical team in making informed decisions. With the use of frozen biopsy techniques, patients like Ms. Hong can undergo precise surgical procedures that minimize the risk of complications and improve treatment outcomes.
Overall, frozen biopsy plays a crucial role in determining the nature of tumor tissue, assessing resection margins, and identifying metastatic cells in lymph nodes. This innovative approach to rapid histopathological testing allows for swift decision-making in surgery, ultimately benefiting patients by reducing the need for repeat procedures and ensuring successful treatment outcomes.
In conclusion, frozen biopsy is an important tool used by surgeons to make informed decisions about patient care during breast cancer surgeries. It allows them to assess resection margins accurately and identify metastatic cells quickly, which reduces complications associated with surgery and improves treatment outcomes.
Furthermore, this technique also helps surgeons avoid removing unnecessary axillary lymph nodes by assessing their risk of involvement with cancer cells beforehand. By doing so, it prevents arm lymphedema and other postoperative complications associated with removal of these nodes.
Overall, using frozen biopsy during breast cancer surgeries has become essential due to its ability to provide quick yet accurate results that help surgeons make informed decisions about patient care.