Accuracy of intraoperative frozen-section analysis of axillary nodes. Edinburgh Breast Unit team

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative assessment of axillary lymph node involvement would allow selection of patients who would benefit from axillary lymph node dissection. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients undergoing mastectomy or wide excision had four nodes sampled and sent for frozen-section examination. RESULTS: Frozen-section analysis of the nodes was correct in 81 of the 88 patients but missed seven of the 26 patients who had involved nodes on paraffin section (sensitivity 73 per cent). CONCLUSION: Frozen-section analysis of axillary lymph nodes as currently practised cannot be recommended for routine use although it may have a role in specific groups of patients.