Microcalcifications in breast cancer tissue studied by X-ray absorption, emission, scattering and diffraction

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Materials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Microcalcifications (MC) are indicators in various tissues, with distinct characteristics observed in breast cancer.
• Recent studies suggest correlations between MC nature and neoplasm malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare benign, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) breast MC.
• To elucidate the crystalline phases and elemental composition of these MC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized X-ray fluorescence, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and wide-angle X-ray scattering.
• Analyzed MC from benign, DCIS, and IDC breast tissues.
• Incorporated sample thickness for accurate quantitative elemental mapping.

Main Results:

• All MC contained Magnesium (Mg). Benign MC showed a minor crystalline whitlockite phase alongside major hydroxyapatite (HAP).
• DCIS and IDC MC exhibited a higher abundance of highly crystalline HAP compared to less ordered benign MC.
• Observed distributions of trace elements including Na, S, Cl, Sr, and Y.

Conclusions:

• Distinct crystalline structures and compositions differentiate benign from malignant breast microcalcifications.
• Hydroxyapatite crystallinity is a key differentiator in breast cancer MC.
• Advanced X-ray techniques provide detailed insights into MC composition for malignancy assessment.