The many faces of surgical margins

Most variables associated with survival after cancer surgery are fixed when we see the patient. One variable over which we have control is the surgical margin. We begin by reviewing the definitions of a positive surgical margin, and then explore potential inaccuracies in obtaining a biopsy and reasons for recurrence after obtaining a free surgical margin. Research in improving the diagnostic accuracy of surgical margins is discussed. Finally, the prognostic significance of surgical margins is reviewed.