During a procedure to remove a tumor or tumors, a frozen section analysis is often needed; this means an additional test is performed during the surgery itself, allowing the surgeon and other physicians to determine the best way to proceed.
Dr. Javier Baquera Heredia, surgical pathology specialist at ABC Medical Center, explains that during the procedure, the surgeon removes a small sample of the patient’s tissue and immediately sends it to the pathology department.
There, the pathologist performs a series of procedures to examine the tissue’s characteristics under a microscope, adds Dr. Maribel Floriano Meza, pathologist at ABC Medical Center. This allows for a rapid diagnosis that helps guide the surgeon on the following points:
- Whether the tissue is benign or represents a malignant tumor.
- If the tumor is malignant, whether it should be fully or partially removed, depending on the patient’s condition, this helps the surgeon decide whether to continue the procedure or close the incision.
- Whether the sample obtained is sufficient to reach a definitive diagnosis.
With this information, the surgeon can proceed accordingly.
Afterward, following the intraoperative analysis, the pathologist processes the tissue further, performing additional sections and stains, a process in which a dye is applied to help highlight the cells being examined, notes Dr. Janet Pineda Díaz, pathology and molecular imaging specialist, also at ABC Medical Center. This process leads to a definitive diagnosis, supported by molecular biology tests that look for genetic alterations in the cells that may have caused the patient’s condition.
Together, these steps give physicians valuable information, helping improve treatment outcomes while tailoring care to each patient’s specific characteristics.
At ABC Medical Center’s Surgery Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
