Broadband optical mammography: chromophore concentration and hemoglobin saturation contrast in breast cancer.

This study reports the optical characterization and quantitative oximetry of human breast cancer using spectrally-resolved images collected with a broadband, continuous-wave optical mammography instrument. On twenty-six cancer patients, we collected two-dimensional optical mammograms and created maps of the concentrations of hemoglobin, water, and lipids, as well as the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. For each cancerous breast, we analyzed the difference between the tumor region (as identified by x-ray and optical mammography) and the remainder of breast tissue.

Development of wire localization for occult breast lesions: Boston remembrances.

In the 1970s, the four authors of this article each set up mammographic screening programs and independently developed preoperative needle-wire localization techniques at different Boston-area hospitals. These innovations, which facilitated surgical biopsy of nonpalpable abnormalities, helped establish and popularize mammography and have only minimally changed over the ensuing decades. This historical perspective shares personal anecdotes of the early development of mammography and mammographic wire localizations.

A modified triple test for palpable breast masses: the value of ultrasound and core needle biopsy.

Background: The original triple test score (TTS)--clinical examination, mammogram, and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy--has long been used to evaluate palpable breast masses. We modified the original TTS to include ultrasound (US) and core biopsy to determine their role in evaluating palpable breast masses.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 320 female patients was performed.

Breast imaging, standard of care, and the expert.

Many radiologists have the opportunity to serve as experts in determining whether a colleague's actions are within standard of care. This is an important responsibility because, in large part, the fairness and success of the judicial system determining whether medical negligence has occurred is dependent on the opinion of the medical expert. Especially in the field of breast imaging, the physician acting as an expert often has to base opinions on judgments rather than incontestable facts.

The pancake phenomenon contributes to the inaccuracy of margin assessment in patients with breast cancer.

Background: To determine the effect on margin evaluation for patients with breast cancer, we prospectively quantified the "flattening" of the breast specimen after surgical removal.

Methods: The volume and height of 100 consecutive breast biopsy specimens were recorded independently by the operating surgeon and the pathologist. Five factors were analyzed that were thought to contribute to changes in specimen dimensions: patient age, breast tissue density, mammographic lesion type, specimen size, and the use of compression during specimen radiography.