An improved process for breast cancer margin identification and orientation

Breast conservation surgery has improved treatment for women faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer. A key factor in breast cancer surgery is the assurance of clear surgical margins. Inadequate or unclear margins prompt the need for re-excision, which can be physically and emotionally stressful for patients. A variety of techniques have been used to indicate margins intraoperatively, but the use of arbitrary methods can contribute to miscommunication between the OR and the radiology and pathology departments. A standardized process to identify surgical margins using radiopaque charms has improved communication and outcomes for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery at one facility.