What do positive and negative margins mean on a pathology report?
On a pathology report, a margin is the edge of the tissue that surgery has removed. According to the National Cancer Institute, the pathologist checks whether abnormal cells are found at these edges.
A margin is called negative, or "clean," when the pathologist finds no cancer cells at the edge. That suggests all of the cancer has been removed. A margin is called positive, or "involved," when the pathologist does find cancer cells at the edge. That suggests some of the cancer has not been removed.
The report may also describe lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are called positive if they have cancer cells and negative if they do not.
Margin and lymph node status are part of the microscopic description on the report. They are also summed up in the diagnosis section, along with the cancer type, tumor grade, and stage.
A healthcare team can explain what the margin findings mean for a specific situation. They can also say whether any further treatment is advised.
Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: Understanding Your Pathology Report
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