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Methods for estimating the size/extent of DCIS inspecimen.Why to measure size of DCIS in specimen:Higher rates of invasive cancer detected according to DCIS size. Progression to invasive cancer occurred in 10% of DCIS patients with a  DCIS tumor size between 2.5 to 3.5 cms, 57% for tumor size 3.6 to 4.5 cms and 71% for tumors between 4.5 and 6 cms.Tumors over 2.5 cms have a higher risk of progressing to invasive cancers.J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2006 Jun;25(2):223-7.There are multiple methods for estimating the extent of DCIS (see Figure):DCIS in 1 block: The area involved by DCIS can be measured from a single slide, if DCIS is present in only 1 block. If separate foci are present, the largest distance between foci should be reported. This method will underestimate the extent of DCIS when multiple blocks are involved and should not be used in such cases. Serial sequential sampling: The entire specimen is blocked out in such a way that the location of each block can be determined. The extent of the DCIS can be calculated by using a diagram of the specimen, the thickness of the slices, and the location of the involved blocks.7-9 This method is recommended for all excisions likely to harbor DCIS or with previously diagnosed DCIS (eg, by diagnosis on a prior core needle biopsy). Nonsequential sampling: The number of blocks involved by DCIS is correlated with the extent of DCIS up to 40 mm.8 Multiplying the number of blocks involved by DCIS by the approximate widt...
Source: Oncopathology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: blogs