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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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A Rapid Method for Multispectral Fluorescence Imaging of Frozen Tissue Sections
Published on: March 30, 2020
Routine Frozen Section Analysis May Be Omittable for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Local Flap
Mads Koefoed Hansen1,2, Mikail Topal1, Iselin Saltvig1
1Department of Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, SUH, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
Cancers
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Intraoperative frozen section analysis (FSA) for nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC) after flap reconstruction had a low positive predictive value. Selective omission of FSA may streamline procedures but requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intraoperative frozen section analysis (FSA) is standard for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) margin verification.
- Its role in nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC) post-local flap reconstruction is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the necessity and predictive value of FSA in nBCC following local flap reconstruction.
- To identify predictors of clear margins after initial FSA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective quality assessment of 112 patients undergoing FSA-guided nBCC excision and local flap reconstruction.
- Analysis of margin status, FSA accuracy (positive predictive value, sensitivity, specificity), and associated variables.
Main Results:
- 82.1% of patients achieved clear margins on first FSA with 3-5 mm excision.
- FSA had a positive predictive value of 60% and a sensitivity of 75%.
- No demographic, tumor, or location factors predicted margin status.
Conclusions:
- Routine FSA in nBCC post-reconstruction demonstrated limited utility due to a 60% positive predictive value.
- Selective omission of FSA could potentially reduce operative time and complexity.
- Findings are hypothesis-generating, necessitating prospective validation.