Frozen Biopsy: A Game-Changer in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

In a quick and accurate manner, frozen biopsy 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 guide treatment decisions for patients. Dr. Nguyen Van Thai, Deputy Pathologist at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasizes 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.

In conclusion, 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.