Why is Margin Status Crucial in Surgical Outcomes?

The status of surgical margins, determined through histological examination, is a critical factor in surgical outcomes. Clear margins, where no cancer cells are found at the edge of the excised tissue, suggest that the tumor has been completely removed, reducing the risk of recurrence. In contrast, positive margins, where cancer cells are present at the edges, may necessitate additional surgery or adjuvant therapy to eliminate residual disease.