The problems with histopathological verification of breast microcalcification clusters in the stereotactic mammotome...

The aim of the study was analysis of the cases, where histopathological examination failed to confirm the presence of breast microcalcifications in the SMB (stereotactic mammotome biopsy) specimens. Between 2000-2004, 242 patients underwent SMB under the guidance of digital mammography to verify breast microcalcification clusters of BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) 3-5 categories. In 39 of these patients histopathological examination did not confirm microcalcifications despite visualization on the radiograms. All such cases were additionally evaluated under polarized light microscope to detect microcalcifications containing birefringent calcium oxalate deposits. In all 39 patients only benign breast abnormalities were detected. In none of these cases breast microcalcifications were revealed in the additional evaluation under polarized light microscope. In some cases histopathological examination of the SMB specimens of breast microcalcifications may not confirm their presence despite visualization on the radiograms. The bioptates sent for the examination should he placed in the order of sampling at the same level and in such form embedded in the paraffin blocks. Radiograms confirming the location of microcalcifications should accompany the specimens. If standard assessment does not demonstrate microcalcifications, serial cutting and additional evaluation under polarized light microscope are recommended.