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question about types of margins What is this ?

 
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annelipp
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Joined: 14 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
PostPosted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:32 am    Post subject: question about types of margins Reply with quote
Hi,

Does anyone know what is meant by a biopsy which shows a "negative-positive" margin? My brother had a biopsy on his tongue to see if the surgeons removed all the cancer and this is what they told him as the results. I thought that a margin could only be positive or negative?

Thanks.
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brainman
Chief Admin


Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 4434
Location: Tennessee
PostPosted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:50 am    Post subject: Re: question about types of margins Reply with quote
Hi aaelipp, I am truly sorry about your brother's tongue cancer. I think he must have missunderstood. I too have never heard of a negative-positive margin of a biopsy. I will ask and find out what I can.
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DocSeiwert
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Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Posts: 20
PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:59 am    Post subject: negative-positive margin Reply with quote
Dear annelipp, you are correct the margins are either positive or negative. One possibility is that one margin was negative and one margin was positive (every surgical specimen has multiple margins - top, bottom, left, right etc.)--> If this is the case - overall this would be considered positive margins, and a potentially risk of tumor recurrence.

I suggest you ask the surgeon to provide you a copy of the pathology report which will state this more clearly. Also it's always prudent to get a second opinion regarding this report - e.g. with a medical oncologist or radiation oncologist who may have a different perspective.

If there is any suggestion that one of the margins was positive usually there should be additional treatment.

Obviously I do not know the specifics of your brother's head and neck cancer, and therefore cannot make any recommendations, but suggest that you/he discuss this with the treating doctor. I hope this helps and I wish your brother good luck.
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Tanguy Seiwert, MD
Medical Oncologist, University of Chicago

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please always consult with your physician.
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annelipp
New User


Joined: 14 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:13 am    Post subject: thanks for the info Reply with quote
Thanks so much for the information. It really helps.

Anne
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