DETECTION OF CALCIFICATIONS IN BREAST BIOPSIES BY SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

The identification of microcalcifications in breast biopsy specimens i s a common and important task for the surgical pathologist that may so metimes be problematic. Although visualized by preoperative mammograph ic and operative specimen radiography, some cases may fail to reveal c alcifications by histopathologic examination or occasion laborious and time-consuming study to confirm sparse calcifications. The present st udy demonstrates how conventional bright-field and polariscopic light microscopy did require considerable effort to confirm rare calcificati on. On the other hand, scanning electron microscopy was employed direc tly on a routine slide and provided definitive visual and physical pro of, e.g., by means of energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis of a rare calcification on a slide previously judged to be negative for calcium and in a short period of time. Recent instrument advances in high volt age beam stabilization and in the ability to vary the pressure of the scanning electron microscope in the vicinity of the specimen now allow complete insertion of a diagnostic glass slide with only trivial prep aration. The report, although brief, raises important questions regard ing the extent and prevalence of breast calcifications.