Frozen section is superior to imprint cytology for the intra-operative assessment of sentinel lymph node metastasis in Stage I Breast cancer patients

• Main Authors: Makita Masujiro, Takahashi Kaoru, Nishimura Seiichiro, Miyagi Yumi, Ikenaga Motoko, Tada Keiichiro, Mori Miki, Iwase Takuji, Kasumi Fujio, Koizumi Mituru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-05-01
• Series: World Journal of Surgical Oncology
• Online Access: http://www.wjso.com/content/4/1/26

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A standard intra-operative procedure for assessing sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients has not yet been established.</p> <p>Patients and methods</p> <p>One hundred and thirty-eight patients with stage I breast cancer who underwent sentinel node biopsy using both imprint cytology and frozen section were analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seventeen of the 138 patients had sentinel node involvement. Results of imprint cytology included nine false negative cases (sensitivity, 47.1%). In contrast, only two cases of false negatives were found on frozen section (sensitivity, 88.2%). There were two false positive cases identified by imprint cytology (specificity, 98.3%). On the other hand, frozen section had 100% specificity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings suggest that frozen section is superior to imprint cytology for the intra-operative determination of sentinel lymph node metastasis in stage I breast cancer patients.</p>