Whole-mount pathology of breast lumpectomy specimens improves detection of tumour margins and focality.

Aims: Technical limitations in conventional pathological evaluation of breast lumpectomy specimens may reduce diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of margin and focality. A novel technique based on whole-mount serial sections enhances sampling while preserving specimen conformation and orientation. The aim of this study was to investigate assessment of focality and margin status by the use of whole-mount serial sections versus simulated conventional sections in lumpectomies.

Development and evaluation of a robust algorithm for computer-assisted detection of sentinel lymph node micrometastases.

Aims: Increasing the sectioning rate for breast sentinel lymph nodes can increase the likelihood of detecting micrometastases. To make serial sectioning feasible, we have developed an algorithm for computer-assisted detection (CAD) with digitized lymph node sections.

Methods And Results: K-means clustering assigned image pixels to one of four areas in a colourspace (representing tumour, unstained background, counterstained background and microtomy artefacts).

An improved processing method for breast whole-mount serial sections for three-dimensional histopathology imaging.

To develop and validate improved processing methods for producing diagnostic-quality, whole-mount serial sections for 3-dimensional imaging of whole-breast histopathologic studies, we subjected 4-mm-thick whole-specimen slices to a 38-hour microwave-assisted protocol. Morphologic features, antigenicity, and tissue shrinkage were evaluated. A schedule using the tissue processor was optimized by evaluating the serial section yield for 3 schedules.

Spatial resolution requirements for acquisition of the virtual screening slide for digital whole-specimen breast histopathology.

We examined the effect of lateral spatial resolution and reader specialty on the accuracy of detection of breast cancer. The motivation for this pilot study was the need to acquire and display very large data sets in whole-specimen 3D digital breast histopathology imaging. The ultimate goal is to determine the minimum resolution adequate for detection of malignancy.

Surveillance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, mammography, and clinical breast examination.

Context: Current recommendations for women who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are to undergo breast surveillance from age 25 years onward with mammography annually and clinical breast examination (CBE) every 6 months; however, many tumors are detected at a relatively advanced stage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound may improve the ability to detect breast cancer at an early stage.

Objective: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of 4 methods of breast cancer surveillance (mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and CBE) in women with hereditary susceptibility to breast cancer due to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.