Related Experiment Videos
Potential margin distortion in breast tissue by specimen mammography
Rodney Clingan1, Michael Griffin, John Phillips
1University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, USA.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 10, 2003
Summary
Specimen mammography (SM) can distort breast biopsy margins due to excessive compression. Careful tissue handling during SM can prevent this distortion, ensuring accurate pathological assessment.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Specimen mammography (SM) is used to verify complete excision of breast lesions.
- Compression during SM may alter specimen dimensions, potentially affecting margin assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of compression during specimen mammography on breast biopsy dimensions.
- To determine if SM causes specimen margin distortion.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals.
- Breast biopsy dimensions (length, width, depth) were measured before and after SM in two groups of patients.
- A national survey assessed SM techniques and understanding.
Main Results:
- Specimen depth significantly decreased with compression in group 1 (P<.001).
- Specimen length and width marginally increased.
- With minimal compression, specimen depth remained unchanged.
- All lesions were identified, and tissue was adequately immobilized.
Conclusions:
- Compression during specimen mammography can lead to specimen margin distortion.
- Excessive compression is common in routine SM.
- Surgeon oversight in specimen handling can minimize or prevent margin distortion.