Evaluating the accuracy of frozen section in borderline ovarian tumors.
5564 Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate accuracy of frozen section in borderline ovarian tumors and to determine the tumor characteristics that lead to higher likelihood of inaccurate intraoperative diagnosis (IAIOD). IAIOD is a clinical problem that restricts the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section in borderline ovarian tumors. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 622 consecutive cases that were diagnosed with pelvic mass and underwent surgery at busy gynecology services of two institutions, between 2006-2011. Of these cases, 52 were diagnosed as borderline ovarian tumors by frozen section. Experienced pathologists performed frozen section with second opinion from specialized gynecologic pathologists as needed. Terms such as “at least borderline” were also evaluated to help stratify patients. Frozen section and final permanent histology reports were compared. Patient and tumor characteristics that may cause IAIOD such as age of patient, histological subtype, size of tumor, bilaterality, CA-125 levels were studied. Staging was performed when borderline or malignant ovarian tumors were identified by frozen section. Results: Agreement of the frozen section results with final pathology was observed in 37 out of 52 patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 71.15 %. Under diagnosis occurred in 12 out of 52 patients and over diagnosis occurred in 3 out of 52 patients. Age >40 years, size of tumor >5 cm, bilaterality of tumors and CA-125 were not found significant in causing IAIOD when chi-square analysis was performed. Characterization by “at-least” borderline terminology at the time of frozen section did not help identify patients with higher likelihood of IAIOD. Conclusions: In our study, the rate of IAIOD was high, at 23% despite experienced pathologists and using “at-least borderline” terminology. Traditionally described features leading to inaccuracy with frozen sections, such as large tumors with mucinous histology did not increase the risk of IAIOD in this study. Patients with unilateral, small tumors and non-mucinous histology had greatest risk for IAIOD. Given this information, full staging of all borderline ovarian tumors identified at time of frozen section should remain the standard of practice.