Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Detection of Architectural Distortion in Prior Mammograms via Analysis of Oriented Patterns
Published on: August 30, 2013
Is specimen mammography beneficial?
D N Bimston1, G G Bebb, L D Wagman
1Department of General Oncologic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
Specimen mammography offers minimal benefit for patients undergoing image-guided needle-localized breast biopsies. This imaging technique rarely impacts patient management or outcomes, despite its costs and time.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Breast Imaging
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Image-guided needle localization is a common breast biopsy technique.
- The utility of specimen mammography in this setting has been questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical benefit and impact of specimen mammography in patients undergoing needle-localized breast biopsies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 165 needle/dye-localized breast biopsies performed between 1993 and 1995.
- Data collected included patient demographics, biopsy outcomes, and the role of specimen mammography.
Main Results:
- Specimen mammography provided clear benefit in only 1.8% of cases.
- No malignant neoplasms were missed. The procedure was incorrect in 24.8% of instances.
- It added significant time and cost without substantial clinical value.
Conclusions:
- Specimen mammography offers limited value in the management of patients undergoing image-guided needle-localized breast biopsies.
- Its routine use is not supported by the findings, considering the low benefit rate and potential for errors.
Related Concept Videos
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...

