Cost-benefit analysis of using large-format histology sections in routine diagnostic breast care

Abstract

Large-format histopathology allows correct documentation of tumor size, lesion distribution, disease extent, and surgical margins, and facilitates better understanding of the complex morphology of breast carcinoma. Large-format histology slides are optimal tools for radiology–pathology correlations. Adapted to the needs of diagnostic routine, this method has the advantages of the conventional small block techniques while being able to analyze large contiguous pieces of breast tissue. The costs connected to implementing and utilizing this technique, analyzed in detail in this paper, exceed those of conventional histopathology only if the conventional sampling is limited and specimen work-up is insufficient. Documenting equally large tissue surfaces with thorough conventional sampling is much more expensive and laborious than when using large-format sections. Thus, large-format histopathology is the only cost-effective histotechnology method that meets the needs of modern multidisciplinary diagnostic breast care.