Intraoperative consultations present some of the most challenging diagnoses in surgical pathology, requiring the rapid integration of clinical, radiographic, gross and histologic data with an awareness of the clinician’s management algorithm. This course is designed to review diagnostic pitfalls in frozen section diagnosis in several problematic areas, including breast, genitourinary, pulmonary, orthopedic, pediatric and gynecologic topics. A case-based approach with clinical history and images of actual frozen sections will be employed. Lectures will be organized by organ system, and will emphasize appropriate use of frozen sections and diagnostic pitfalls caused by inflammation and artifacts. A discussion of the literature on quality assurance and CAP monitoring requirements will be included.

The intended audience includes practicing pathologists and residents in training. At the conclusion of the course, the participants should have an understanding of frozen section indications, the importance of clinical history and the surgeon’s treatment algorithm, an appreciation of the pitfalls in histologic interpretation, and an appreciation fo when to defer diagnosis.

A CD of case material will be available for mailing to pre-registrants. A detailed syllabus will be distributed at the course and a CD with complete images will be mailed after the meeting to all registrants.