Dangers in a delayed radical mastectomy after a paraffin section biopsy: a preliminary report

Thirty five breast cancer cases had paraffin section biopsies while 22 had a frozen followed immediately by surgery. Those who underwent biopsy at surgery showed a better survival and freedom from the disease. A time delay of not more than one week apparently seems not to have been detrimental to most of our patients. However, the ideal is a frozen followed by amputation, even only for economical and psychological reasons, for it spares the patient anxious waiting days and reduces her hospital expenses. Minimizing infection by an umbrella of antibiotics after a paraffin section biopsy and gentle handling of the growth can help prevent acceleration of the lymph flow, thereby prevent early regional metastases.(Author)