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Microcystic Calcifications at Stereotactic Breast Biopsy.
Frederick R. Margolin1, Richard P. Jacobs, Susan R. Denny
1Breast Health Center, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California.
The Breast Journal
|May 12, 2001
Summary
Layering calcifications in breast microcysts on mammograms often indicate a benign finding, potentially avoiding biopsy. This study highlights challenges with stereotactic biopsy for microcystic calcifications that don't layer clearly.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Breast Imaging
Background:
- Calcifications in breast microcysts typically show layering on mammograms.
- Layering is a strong indicator of benign breast conditions, often obviating the need for biopsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the experience with stereotactic biopsy for clustered calcifications in breast microcysts.
- To investigate cases where calcifications failed to layer convincingly on mammographic views, complicating biopsy decisions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nine patients undergoing stereotactic biopsy for clustered microcystic calcifications.
- Analysis of mammographic images, including preliminary digital views and post-biopsy mammograms.
- Correlation of imaging findings with biopsy results.
Main Results:
- Stereotactic biopsy was attempted for calcifications that did not clearly layer on lateral magnification views.
- Layering was more apparent on preliminary digital images before biopsy in all nine patients.
- Biopsy cores showed sparse or absent calcification, which diminished or disappeared post-biopsy.
Conclusions:
- Radiologists should be aware of potential imaging discrepancies when performing stereotactic biopsy on microcystic calcifications.
- Compression and breast positioning may influence the appearance of calcification layering.
- Unexpected biopsy and post-biopsy mammogram findings can occur in these cases.