A Standardized Protocol for Radical Mastectomy Specimens at Hospital Universitario Antonio Pedro - Niteroi - Brazil: An Anatomopathological Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Adequate evaluation of the specimen is essential for accurate diagnosis and prognosis.Objective: To present a standardized protocol for the gross and microscopic examination of radical mastectomy specimens, despite the presence or absence of homolateral axillary dissection and irrespective of the type of the malignancy to provide the necessary information to guide potential adjuvant therapy and prognostic information. Materials and methods:A standardized protocol was created for the examination of surgical specimens from radical mastectomies. Results:The group of pathologists responsible for routine examination agreed that use of the standardized protocol reduced the time spent on macroscopic and microscopic examination of the radical mastectomy specimens and increased the accuracy of recording the information needed for diagnosis. Conclusion:We believe that simplification of the protocol presented here for guidance of histological examination of surgical mastectomy specimens is easily applied, rapid, reliable and safe, and will contribute to the routine diagnostic practice.