Radiography of breast biopsy specimens

The radiological features of breast biopsy specimens can be visualized clearly if the specimens are X-rayed in water. This makes it possible to demonstrate on specimen radiographs lesions causing tissue distortions without calcification. By positioning the specimen correctly in water and by obtaining radiographs in two planes, the exact site of a small lesion within a large tissue mass can be demonstrated and the site marked to guide the pathologist to the suspect area.