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Factitious microcalcifications in breast biopsy material: laboratory-induced error by use of tattoo powder for
D J Lager1, J C O'Connor, R A Robinson
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|April 1, 1989
Abstract:
A xeromammogram led to the surgical excision of a calcified breast lesion on a 66-year-old female. Before specimen mammography was performed, the excised tissue was oriented with tattoo pigment. The specimen mammogram then revealed multiple calcifications caused by unsuspected radio-opaque material in the tattoo pigment, and the original calcifications were obscured. This case demonstrates the hazards involved utilizing tattoo powders for orienting xeromammographically discovered specimens.