Positive Surgical Margins in Prostate Cancer: A CPC Rounds

Positive Surgical Margins in Prostate Cancer: A CPC Rounds by Brian Skinnider, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Scott Tyldesley, Radiation Oncology, Vancouver Centre, BC Cancer Agency; Michelle Longpre, MD, Resident, University of British Columbia Department of Urologic Sciences

[@waynelast1685]

The long term survival rates now I believe are higher than what was shown in those studies. They do show interesting correlations of +margin and related factors to various outcomes though.

[@waynelast1685]

It is not clear to me the difference between extra capsular extension and positive surgical margins. How can you have the former without the latter?

[@robertmonroe3678]

Apparently surgical technique and experience can reduce positive margins. Perhaps the skillful surgeon (consulting the MRI) can endeavor to cut a wider margin (where possible) around the capsule in areas ECE is suspected. So one could have limited ECE but clear margins.
At the same time, one would think a skillfully executed prostatectomy yielding positive margin(s) must mean ECE to one degree or another. They are pretty common.