What defines "negative margins" in surgical pathology?

Negative margins in surgical pathology refer to the complete removal of a tumor with no cancerous tissue found at the edges of the surgical specimen. This indicates that the surgeon has successfully excised the tumor along with a rim of healthy tissue, which is critical for ensuring that no residual cancer cells remain at the site of the original tumor. The significance of negative margins lies in their association with lower recurrence rates of cancer and a better prognosis for the patient.

In contrast, the presence of cancerous tissue at the edges signifies positive margins, which suggests that some malignant cells might remain, potentially leading to local recurrence. Therefore, achieving negative margins is a primary goal during tumor resection surgeries as it is a crucial indicator of complete tumor removal, which is vital for effective treatment outcomes.