FIBROADENOMA OF BREASTS – DIAGNOSIS
Normally when specimens of tissue are examined by the pathologist to determine their nature, he sets the tissue in paraffin for about 24 hours before making thin sections to examine under a microscope.
In the technique of frozen section, the piece of tissue removed is frozen by carbon dioxide snow (what we know as “dry ice”).
The tissue is then sliced thinly with a special knife and examined under the microscope. The diagnosis can be given to the surgeon within 10 minutes.
If it is benign, the surgeon can close the wound and the operation is finished. If it proves to be cancer, the most commonly accepted procedure is to go ahead and remove the breast and the lymph glands from the armpit.
This technique of establishing the diagnosis quickly allows the surgeon to proceed with a definitive operation rather than having to wait a day or two, then expect the woman to face up to a second more extensive procedure.
A one-stage operation is also believed to pose less risk of spreading the tumor during the operation.
Fibroadenomas do not become cancer and have no complications. They are only removed because no surgeon can be 100 per cent sure that the lump is benign.
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