[A new specimen radiography device with a maximum 20-fold magnification for breast diagnosis].

PURPOSE

A radiography system specially developed for specimen radiography and allowing maximal 20-fold magnification is presented. The efficiency of the system was tested and compared with that of conventional magnification mammography systems.

METHODS

23 surgical and 90 core biopsies of the breast were examined for detection of microcalcifications. As criteria the number of identifiable calcifications, their shape and configuration as well as tissue contrast were chosen.

RESULTS

The new technique detected about 400% more microcalcifications, 200% more core and 50% more surgical biopsies containing calcifications. Thus, in a few cases, additional core biopsies were unnecessary. Moreover, this new system yielded additional information for the pathologist and surgeon concerning the exact localisation of suspicious lesions that facilitated working up specimens, or indicated additional surgical removal in special cases.

CONCLUSIONS

By identification of malignant lesions not detectable with conventional magnification radiography systems, as well as a more exact localisation of suspicious lesions, false negative results may be reduced.