Local tumour surgery: The pathologist's point of view

Abstract

According to the modern concept of surgery based on histology and disease stage, the spectrum of resective curative surgery includes local surgery, i.e. surgery limited to the primary tumour (without removal of regional lymph nodes) as well as local excision, i.e. excision of the primary with limited margins of clearance. The proper selection of patients is critical and depends on clinical and pathological criteria, in particular, reliable tumour histopathological classification (histomorphology, anatomic extent). The role of modern biological and molecular markers in this decision process remains to be established. Curative local excision requires caretul histological assessment of the completeness of tumour removal.

Key Words:

• local tumour surgery
• local excision
• tumour classification
• selection for treatment
• histological control of tumour excision