An Improved Process for Breast Cancer Margin Identification and Orientation

ABSTRACT 

Breast conservation surgery has improved treatment for women faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer. A key factor in breast cancer surgery is the assurance of clear surgical margins. Inadequate or unclear margins prompt the need for re-excision, which can be physically and emotionally stressful for patients.

A variety of techniques have been used to indicate margins intraoperatively, but the use of arbitrary methods can contribute to miscommunication between the OR and the radiology and pathology departments. A standardized process to identify surgical margins using radiopaque charms has improved communication and outcomes for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery at one facility. AORN J 90 (October 2009) 525–529. © AORN, Inc, 2009.

Key words:  breast cancer , breast conserving surgery , surgical margin , resection margin