Extensive cautery artifact refers to the damage caused to tissue during surgical procedures that involve the use of electrocautery, a tool that uses heat to cut and seal blood vessels. This damage can manifest as charred or distorted tissue, which can make it difficult for pathologists to accurately interpret biopsy results. To minimize the impact of cautery artifact, pathologists may request that surgeons use alternative techniques, such as cold steel dissection or ultrasonic dissection, whenever possible. In some cases, extensive cautery artifact may render a biopsy specimen insufficient for an accurate diagnosis, necessitating a repeat procedure.