Real-time peri-operative microcalcification detection in superficial breast tissues
Stefan D van der Stel1,2, Lorenzo Niemitz3,4, Simon Sørensen5
1Department of Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Scientific Reports
|May 16, 2025
Summary
A new microcamera system aids surgeons in detecting microcalcifications in breast tissue margins during surgery. This tool improves the identification of calcifications near the surface, enhancing surgical precision for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical optics
- Surgical oncology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Surgical management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) relies on accurate margin assessment.
- Intraoperative tools for detecting microcalcifications in resection margins are currently lacking.
- Microcalcifications are key indicators in DCIS, necessitating precise surgical removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel cross-polarized multispectral microcamera for intraoperative detection of microcalcifications.
- To assess the feasibility of real-time visualization of microcalcifications in excised breast tissue.
- To determine the efficacy of this imaging technique in improving surgical margin assessment.
Main Methods:
- Ex-vivo imaging of excised breast tissue slices from 12 patients using a cross-polarized multispectral microcamera.
- Achieved an imaging depth of up to 2 mm with visualization of features down to 50 μm.
- Cross-correlation with mammography images for microcalcification identification and analysis of detection efficacy based on calcification characteristics.
Main Results:
- The microcamera provided clear, magnified color images of the tissue surface.
- Detection efficacy was influenced by calcification clustering and depth (within 2 mm).
- Average reviewer accuracy was 79.0% (sensitivity 77.8%, specificity 80.0%) for microcalcification detection.
Conclusions:
- The integrated microcamera and cross-polarized setup shows potential for non-invasive, real-time detection of superficial microcalcifications.
- This approach offers promising results for enhancing surgical precision in breast cancer surgery.
- Further research and clinical applications are warranted to optimize this technology for intraoperative use.
