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Frozen Section Biopsy
Biopsies are small samples of tissue taken from a mass or tumor that are examined under a microscope to make a diagnosis. Biopsies are used most often to determine whether cancer cells are present, although certain infections and other diseases can be diagnosed as well. A specific type of biopsy procedure called the frozen section was developed in order to make a rapid diagnosis of a mass during surgery. The December 28, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about the origins of the frozen section technique.
FROZEN SECTION PROCEDURE
During the frozen section procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the tissue mass. This biopsy is then given to a pathologist (a doctor who examines tissues and uses laboratory tests to make a diagnosis). The pathologist freezes the tissue in a cryostat machine, cuts it with a microtome, and then stains it with various dyes so that it can be examined under the microscope. The procedure usually takes only minutes.
ADVANTAGES OF FROZEN SECTION BIOPSY
- If more tissue is needed to make an accurate diagnosis, the surgeon is able to obtain an additional sample, avoiding a second operation.
- If the tissue is determined to be cancerous and is amenable to surgery, the mass can be removed at that time.
- If the tissue is determined to be benign (not cancerous), then the mass may not always need to be removed and the surgery can end.
- The frozen section biopsy can help ensure that the mass being removed is the intended tissue for removal.
- It can help ensure that the entire mass and its surrounding borders are removed.
- It allows for the collection of proper tissue samples for further scientific research.
- The surgeon and pathologist are able to collaborate to care for the patient.
Sometimes pathologists are not able to determine the diagnosis based on the frozen section and instead must rely on the permanent section. In this procedure the tissue is not frozen but instead is placed in a fixative solution, embedded in wax, thinly cut, and then stained. Although this takes longer than a frozen section (usually 1 day), the permanent section leads to better-quality microscope slides. All biopsies are limited by the sample taken. Cancer or other diseases may be so small that they are not present in the tissue sample but may still be present elsewhere. Multiple biopsies may be needed to make a diagnosis.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
INFORM YOURSELF
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish.
Source: Jacobs DS, DeMott WR, Oxley DK. Jacobs and DeMott Laboratory Test Handbook. 5th ed. Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp Inc; 2001
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
TOPIC: TISSUE DIAGNOSIS
Erin Brender, MD, Writer;
Alison Burke, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2005;294:3200.
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RELATED ARTICLE
The 100-Year Anniversary of the Description of the Frozen Section Procedure
Anthony A. Gal and Philip T. Cagle
JAMA. 2005;294(24):3135-3137.
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