Shrinkage of cutaneous specimens: formalin or other factors involved?

Background: Shrinkage of cutaneous tissue during processing is a source of controversy. This study was designed to prospectively determine tissue shrinkage at two intervals: 1 min after excision and after 24 to 48 h of formalin fixation. Secondarily, gender, age, site, prior biopsy scar and solar elastosis were evaluated with respect to shrinkage.