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Abstract

Grossing maxillofacial pathology specimens is often challenging. It requires following certain principle and employment a variety of techniques to avoid wrong practices and increase the turnaround time. Although in the most cases the main diagnosis is known, the pathologist is required to evaluate the extend of the tumor and interrelationships between involved tissues. Based on extensive personal experience, the optimal sampling is in the fresh state because fixation makes tissue brittle and discolored that is an impediment to present bone and surrounding tissue relationship. Due to fragility or variety of most specimensâ�?�? configuration, the use of mechanical power saws is limited. The main technical requirement to get a representative section is the specimen immobilization, which involves employment of different kind of tools and contrivances. In our experience, hard-pressed packing cartons are optimal for secure immobilization. The author is advocating the â�?�?third hand immobilizationâ�? principle for precise or serial sections. Decalcification monitoring and embedding follow-up are additional requirements for high quality microscope slide for the pathologistâ�?�?s reliable diagnosis.

Biography

Izak Dimenstein is graduated from Mechnikov Medical Academy in Leningrad, former USSR, in 1964 and completed his PhD program at the same institution in 1969. He has worked as a clinical and anatomical pathologist in Leningrad, USSR. Since 1995, he worked as a pathologists’ assistant and grossing technologist at Mount Sinai Chicago Hospital and Loyola University Chicago Medical Center developed a website entitled “Grossing Technology in Surgical Pathology” (www. grossing-technology.com) in 2002. He has retired from Loyola University Chicago Medical Center in 2008. Currently, his main area of interest is the summarization materials on grossing technology and bone grossing techniques.

Email: idimenstein@hotmail.com