Radiographic image magnification as quality control of microcalcification imaging within the scope of histopathological control of breast biopsy tissue

Abstract

Evaluation of specimen radiography as a quality control for the detection of microcalcifications by the pathologist during histopathological examination of breast biopsies. 29 breast biopsy specimen with microcalcifications were radiographed using the magnification (x4) mammography System DIMA Plus MI I before and after the histopathological examination. Tissue with detected microcalcifications after the histopathological examination was reexamined histologically. In 55% (16/29) of all specimen we could identify missed microcalcifications. In 5 specimens the microcalcifications were missed completely. The radiologically detected areas of residual microcalcifications were reexamined histologically and in one case invasive parts of a carcinoma were detected, which primarily had been diagnosed as an in-situ carcinoma. In 6 cases the radiographs of the intraoperative specimen radiography were sent to the pathologist together with the biopsy. In these cases the rate of complete detection of the microcalcifications increased from 39% to 66%. Specimen radiography should be performed not only intraoperatively but also as part of the histopathological examination.