FROZEN SECTION Meaning and
Definition
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A frozen section refers to a laboratory technique commonly used in pathological analysis, especially in surgical and histopathology settings. It involves the rapid freezing of a tissue specimen, followed by the preparation and microscopic examination of thin slices of the frozen tissue.
The frozen section technique is performed during surgeries to obtain a quick analysis of the tissue. It allows the surgeon and pathologist to make immediate decisions regarding further treatment, especially in cases with uncertain pathology or when an immediate diagnosis is critical.
The process begins with the surgical removal of a sample or specimen, which is promptly frozen using a cryostat or similar freezing device. The frozen specimen is then cut into thin sections, typically around 5-10 micrometers thick, using a microtome. These thin slices are placed on glass slides and stained with special dyes to enhance cellular structures and aid in microscopic examination.
The stained sections are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist, who can quickly assess the tissue's morphology, architecture, and various cellular features. They can provide an immediate diagnosis or a provisional opinion, informing the surgeon and assisting in surgical decision-making.
The frozen section technique is particularly useful in surgeries involving tumors, as it enables the surgeon to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign, its extent of invasion, involvement of nearby tissues, and whether resection margins are clear. This real-time information aids in tailoring the surgical approach and minimizing the need for additional procedures.
Common Misspellings for FROZEN SECTION
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Etymology of FROZEN SECTION
The word "frozen section" originates from the field of pathology, specifically surgical pathology. In this context, a frozen section refers to a technique used during surgery to quickly examine a tissue sample obtained from a patient.
The term "frozen" indicates that the tissue is rapidly frozen using a cryostat, a machine capable of freezing the tissue sample to a very low temperature, typically around -20°C to -30°C. This freezing process preserves the cellular and tissue structures for examination under a microscope.
The word "section" indicates that the tissue sample is sliced into thin sections, allowing for a detailed examination of the specimen. These sections are then stained and observed by a pathologist who can quickly determine whether the tissue shows any signs of disease, such as cancer.
The etymology of "frozen section" lies in the combination of the freezing technique used and the process of sectioning the tissue for examination.
