We have discontinued performing frozen sections on breast lumpectomy
specimens to check margins a while ago now in order to get a more accurate
result from the permanent tissue blocks.  The pathologists are still cutting
the specimens in the same day and were inquiring if there is a different
technique available for fixing these fatty specimens.  We are currently
inking the entire specimen following fixation in 10% NBF.  I have strongly
encouraged cutting the sections as thin as possible so the tissue is properly
fixed and the completed slide shows the true margin rather than exploded
cellular debris from the waterbath.
The pathologists were inquiring if there is a fixative or some other
preparation method   which will help firm the tissue so they are able to take
thinner sections at the grossing table.
Greg Good
Frye Regional Medical Center
Hickory, NC  28601