A 35-year-old patient undergoes resection of a high-grade soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh. The tumor is removed with a cuff of normal tissue surrounding the pseudocapsule, achieving a margin that is microscopically negative. Which term best describes this surgical margin?
- A Intralesional
- B Wide ✓
- C Marginal
- D Radical
Correct answer: B. Wide
Explanation
A wide local excision removes the tumor along with a surrounding cuff of normal tissue outside the pseudocapsule. This achieves a negative margin and minimizes local recurrence for soft tissue sarcomas. A marginal excision cuts through the pseudocapsule or reactive zone, leaving microscopic disease. An intralesional excision leaves macroscopic tumor. A radical excision removes the entire muscle compartment, which is rarely required.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.