Microtome shaving radiography: demonstration of loss of mammographic microcalcifications during histologic sectioning.
Mammographic-pathologic correlation of suspicious microcalcifications is essential for optimal diagnosis and local staging of early breast carcinoma. Loss of microcalcifications during histologic sectioning has been suggested as one reason for the occasional lack of microscopic visualization of microcalcifications in routinely processed breast biopsy specimens obtained for suspicious mammographic microcalcifications. Two case reports utilizing radiography of histologic shavings of stereotactic core biopsies and surgical excisional biopsies of mammographic microcalcifications provide concrete evidence of the loss of large calcific particles during the microtome process.
Winston
Janet S
JS
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263, USA.
Geradts
Joseph
J
Liu
Dong Feng
DF
Stomper
Paul C
PC
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods; D008867:Microtomy / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods