Accuracy of frozen section diagnosis in ovarian tumors: Is there a change in the course of time?

Abstract

A retrospective study of 222 ovarian biopsy results between January 1, 2000 and August 31, 2002 was examined to determine the accuracy of frozen section diagnosis. In addition we reviewed all previous studies that examined the accuracy rates of frozen section diagnosis in ovarian tumors. Histopathologic examination results of frozen section biopsies were concordant with paraffin diagnosis in 92% of all cases. The sensitivity rates for benign, malignant, and borderline ovarian tumors were 98%, 88.7%, and 61%, respectively. There were five (2.2%) false-positive (overdiagnosed), and 13 (5.4%) false-negative (underdiagnosed) patients in frozen section examination. Frozen section examination of mucinous tumors showed higher underdiagnosis rates (20%). Review of previous studies showed no significant variation in accuracy rates of frozen section diagnosis for benign and malignant ovarian tumors, in relation with time. We found low accuracy rates for borderline ovarian tumors which was similar with the previous studies. However, there were consistent and relatively higher sensitivity rates for borderline ovarian tumors in the recent studies. As a result, we conclude that frozen section evaluation in identifying a malignant or benign ovarian tumor is accurate enough for the correct diagnosis. Since accuracy rates for borderline ovarian tumors are low, we should have more improvement in the correct diagnosis.

Role of Frozen Section in the Intra operative management of Ovarian Neoplasms and Comparing with Final Histopathological Diagnosis – A Prospective Study

“…Our study analysis done on 30 patients' shows that test fared well on all 4 conventional indices (sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values) in benign and malignant tumors. Sensitivity for benign tumors in our study is 100%.sensitivity rates reported in the literature are 98 to 99% [10,11,12] . only 1 out 20 diagnosed as benign on frozen section turned out to be borderline on final histopathology.…”

Role of Frozen Section in Intraoperative Assessment of Ovarian Masses: a Tertiary Oncology Center Experience.

“…Our study showed a false positive rate of 0.4 % and false negative rate of 7.7 %. Literature search shows false positive rates ranging from 2.2 to 10.7 % and false negative rates ranging from 5.4 to 29.3 % [17,18].…”

A retrospective study on surgical management of ovarian tumours in a teritary care semiurban hospital

“…According to Gol M et al histological examination of frozen section biopsies was concordant with final histopathological report in 92% cases. 9 Frozen section examination of mucinous tumours showed higher under diagnosis rates in 20%. The availabilty of oncosurgeon while operating cases of suspected malignancy has to be emphasized.…”