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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
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DIPLOMA Approach for Standardized Pathology Assessment of Distal Pancreatectomy Specimens
Published on: February 1, 2020
Marking of resection margins.
C Hunter-Craig1, B Lee-McDonagh, H G Penman
1Department of Histopathology, Crawley Hospital.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Starch powder effectively marks breast tissue resection margins in surgical specimens. This quick, clean, and cost-effective method aids microscopic margin assessment but is unsuitable for irregular specimens.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Pathology
- Histotechnology
Background:
- Accurate marking of surgical resection margins is crucial for evaluating tumor-free tissue in breast cancer surgery.
- Traditional margin marking techniques can be time-consuming, costly, or interfere with subsequent analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of starch powder as a simple, inexpensive marker for breast tissue resection margins.
Main Methods:
- Formalin-fixed breast tissue specimens were rolled in starch powder (e.g., glove powder) to mark the surgically cut surface.
- The adherence and visibility of starch were assessed microscopically using crossed polarizers.
- Potential interference with radiology of specimens or tissue blocks was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Starch powder adhered well to the breast tissue specimens.
- Starch particles were clearly visible microscopically when using crossed polarizers.
- Minimal 'carry-over' of starch to adjacent tissues was observed, and radiological assessment was not compromised.
Conclusions:
- Starch powder is a suitable, practical, and economical single marker for surgically cut surfaces of most breast tissue specimens.
- The method is quick, clean, and does not interfere with radiological evaluations.
- This technique should not be used for ragged or disrupted specimens where accurate margin delineation is compromised.
