ABSTRACT
Lay the specimen on a tile or block (heavy card, foam or polystyrene) in the correct anatomical position (Figure 35.1).
Secure with pins or sutures. Avoid critical areas of the surgical margins. Avoid over-tight sutures (risk of poor fixation and tearing of tissues).
For modified and selective neck dissections, label the centre of each anatomical nodal level with a tag or suture (Figure 35.1). Submit any additional nodal groups (parapharyngeal, facial, etc.) in separate labelled containers.
Immerse the specimen fully in fixative. ‘Routine’ is a formaldehyde-based solution. The volume of fixative should be at least 10 times the volume of tissue.
Alternatively, divide the neck dissection into separate anatomical levels, mark superior aspect and submit each level in a separate labelled container. Take care not to disrupt integrity of primary tumour when dividing level I from primary tumour in en bloc resection specimens.
