Factitious microcalcifications in breast biopsy material: laboratory-induced error by use of tattoo powder for specimen mammography.
A xeromammogram led to the surgical excision of a calcified breast lesion on a 66-year-old female. Before specimen mammography was performed, the excised tissue was oriented with tattoo pigment. The specimen mammogram then revealed multiple calcifications caused by unsuspected radio-opaque material in the tattoo pigment, and the original calcifications were obscured. This case demonstrates the hazards involved utilizing tattoo powders for orienting xeromammographically discovered specimens.
Lager
D J
DJ
Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
O'Connor
J C
JC
Robinson
R A
RA
Brown
R C
RC
Urdaneta
L F
LF
D000368:Aged; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013653:Tattooing; D014984:Xeromammography / Q000379:methods*
D004396:Coloring Agents