BREAST BIOPSIES

Indications:

Breast biopsies are frequently submitted for frozen section or immediate pathology consults to obtain a diagnosis.

Specimen:

If the lesion is small and a frozen section would compromise the evaluation of a tumor and/or of the margin/s, the pathologist will convey this to the doctor. If a specimen mammography has been performed, be sure to keep the tissue oriented, and to include the specimen radiograph. Hormone receptor studies are now routinely performed on the paraffin-fixed tissue after routine processing. Therefore, breast biopsies no longer need to be received fresh unless the submitting doctor requires an immediate Pathologist Consult or Frozen Section.

Collection:

· Breast specimens requiring an immediate pathology consult or frozen section should be sent fresh on saline-moistened gauze.

· Routine specimens should be sent in an appropriate sized container of 10% neutral buffered formalin.

· Label specimen container with patient name, specimen type and location (including “right” or “left” designation if applicable).

· Submit all patient information following the procedure for “Completing a Surgical Requisition” (page 5).