Which term describes a surgical margin without cancer at the edge of the removed tissue?

Which term describes a surgical margin without cancer at the edge of the removed tissue?

• A. Negative margins
• B. Positive margins
• C. Involved margins
• D. Uncertain margins

Answer: (A)

A margin described as negative means the edge of the removed tissue is free of cancer cells. In pathology, the margins are inked, and the tissue is examined; if no tumor cells touch the inked edge, the margin is negative (also called a clear margin). This indicates that the tumor was completely removed at that margin and lowers the likelihood of residual disease at the resection border. In contrast, positive or involved margins mean cancer cells are present at the edge, suggesting residual disease and often prompting consideration of re-excision or additional therapy. Uncertain margins isn’t a standard way to describe margin status.

A margin described as negative means the edge of the removed tissue is free of cancer cells. In pathology, the margins are inked, and the tissue is examined; if no tumor cells touch the inked edge, the margin is negative (also called a clear margin). This indicates that the tumor was completely removed at that margin and lowers the likelihood of residual disease at the resection border. In contrast, positive or involved margins mean cancer cells are present at the edge, suggesting residual disease and often prompting consideration of re-excision or additional therapy. Uncertain margins isn’t a standard way to describe margin status.