Specimen xeroradiography after needle localization and biopsy of noncalcified, nonpalpable breast lesions

Xeroradiography was used to detect and aid in needle localization of 63 nonpalpable breast lesions over an 8-year period. In 28 patients (44%), no microcalcifications were present in the lesion biopsied. Xeroradiographs of these noncalcified lesions after their submersion in water carried a clean and close resemblance to their in vivo appearance and aided the pathologist in localizing the abnormality within the biopsy specimen. This simple method improved the accuracy of the needle-guided biopsy while allowing excision of minimal breast tissue. A total of 17 (27%) lesions revealed malignancy. At the time of mastectomy, all carcinomas were at an early stage with no nodal involvement. No recurrence has been detected to date with a mean follow-up period of 24 months. This procedure requires close cooperation between the surgeon, radiologist, and pathologist.