Which statement best describes a 'negative margin'?

Which statement best describes a 'negative margin'?

• A. The edge is free of tumor cells
• B. The edge contains tumor cells
• C. The edge is uncertain
• D. The edge has inflammatory cells

Answer: (A)

Margin status reflects whether cancer cells reach the edge of the removed tissue. A negative margin means the edge is free of tumor cells—no cancer touches the inked margin, indicating the tumor has been completely excised. Pathologists typically ink the margins and examine the tissue under a microscope to determine this; when no tumor is at the ink line, the margin is negative, which is associated with a lower risk of local recurrence. If tumor cells are at the ink line, the margin is positive, often prompting re-excision or additional therapy. An edge described as uncertain or simply containing inflammatory cells does not define margin status.

Margin status reflects whether cancer cells reach the edge of the removed tissue. A negative margin means the edge is free of tumor cells—no cancer touches the inked margin, indicating the tumor has been completely excised. Pathologists typically ink the margins and examine the tissue under a microscope to determine this; when no tumor is at the ink line, the margin is negative, which is associated with a lower risk of local recurrence. If tumor cells are at the ink line, the margin is positive, often prompting re-excision or additional therapy. An edge described as uncertain or simply containing inflammatory cells does not define margin status.