Radiography of microcalcifications in stereotaxic mammary core biopsy specimens

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of specimen radiography in stereotaxically guided core biopsies and evaluate its role in detection and diagnosis of microcalcifications in breast tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens from 361 stereotaxic breast core biopsies of 72 nonpalpable lesions with mammographic evidence of microcalcifications were obtained from 65 patients. Specimens were placed in saline on microscope slides and radiographed. RESULTS: Microcalcifications were detected radiographically in 146 of 361 (40%) cores. If calcifications were present on specimen radiographs, histologic detection of these calcifications was made in 114 of 146 (78%) specimens, and diagnosis was made in 118 of 146 (81%). If calcifications were not present on specimen radiographs, histologic detection was obtained in 27 of 215 (13%) specimens and specific diagnosis in 81 of 215 (38%). CONCLUSION: Specimen radiography should be routinely performed in stereotaxic core biopsies of breast microcalcifications to ensure appropriate tissue has been obtained and to direct pathologic diagnosis of the tissue specimens.