Microtome Shaving Radiography: Demonstration of Loss of Mammographic Microcalcifications During Histologic Sectioning

  1. Janet S. Winston MD1,2,
  2. Joseph Geradts MD1,*,
  3. Dong Feng Liu MD1,
  4. Paul C. Stomper MD2

Article first published online: 4 MAY 2004

DOI: 10.1111/j.1075-122X.2004.21300.x

Issue

The Breast Journal

The Breast Journal

Volume 10, Issue 3, pages 200–203, May 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Winston, J. S., Geradts, J., Liu, D. F. and Stomper, P. C. (2004), Microtome Shaving Radiography: Demonstration of Loss of Mammographic Microcalcifications During Histologic Sectioning. The Breast Journal, 10: 200–203. doi: 10.1111/j.1075-122X.2004.21300.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and

  2. 2

    Diagnostic Imaging, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York

*Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Joseph Geradts, MD, Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA, or e-mail: joseph.geradts@roswellpark.org.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 4 MAY 2004
  2. Article first published online: 4 MAY 2004

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Keywords:

  • mammography;
  • microcalcification;
  • tissue sectioning

Abstract:  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. 

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