The role of frozen sections in gynaecological oncology: survey of practice in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objective: To assess the use of frozen section diagnosis in gynaecological oncology in the United Kingdom.

Study design: A questionnaire was circulated electronically to gynaecological pathologists and surgeons. The results were collated and compared with the available literature on this subject.

Results: Our survey showed that the use of frozen sections varies with the resource setting and the preferences and practices of the practitioners. Frozen sections are most often used in diagnosis of ovarian/pelvic masses and assessment of lymph nodes in cervical carcinoma.

Conclusion: Frozen section diagnosis is of value in certain areas of gynaecological oncology, while it is of limited or no value in others. Each multidisciplinary team should develop their own local protocols for intraoperative frozen section examination and support developing expertise in frozen section diagnosis in the adopted areas of the practice.