DH's pathology report states, in parentheses, just as shown:

"(The margin nearest the tumor demonstrates free-floating fragments of tumor but tumor within the actual resected margin is not seen and the tumor is felt to represent cutting board artifact)."

How worried would you be about that? Why would they not use a new or CLEAN cutting board, after using it to dissect a tumor?! Is this common? :confused:

Sorry that no one else has replied, but I am not even sure what "cutting board artifact" means --

Maybe call the surgeon or nurse ?

Sorry I could not help more -

jeni

It's pretty likely just a figure of speech and not a literal reference to disecting a tumor on a dirty surface. Ask your doctor if it's bothering you.

That is a puzzling description - I've never heard any reference to "cutting board artifact". I agree with the above posts - I would definitely ask my doctor...then perhaps enlighten us all! I also find it hard to believe that a sterile cutting board wasn't used to check your tumor sample. Good luck.

Thanks for your replies. I interpreted it to mean something left behind on the cutting board after the dissection of the tumor, which then tainted the sample (the adjacent-to-the-tumor "donuts" of colon the report describes in another passage).

Since this is apparently not a frequent occurence (which is a *good* thing!), it probably is a very good idea to question the doctor about it.

I just googled "cutting board artifact" and got one "hit" -- this thread! :D Obviously not common terminology. :)

Pearl,

Somehow I missed this thread earlier. Truly sorry I did. I was wondering what you meant by "cutting board artifact" in your other thread. I see you've already asked the same question.

I split a gut reading your last comment on this thread. I'm still chuckling as I'm typing this. That smily is PERFECT with your comment.

You put a BIG smile on my face.

Lee