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Breast calcification micromorphology classification

Scott, Robert; Lyburn, Iain; Cornford, Eleanor; Bouzy, Pascaline; Stone, Nicholas; Greenwood, Charlene; Bouybayoune, Ihsanne; Pinder, Sarah; Rogers, Keith

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Authors

Robert Scott

Iain Lyburn

Eleanor Cornford

Pascaline Bouzy

Nicholas Stone

Ihsanne Bouybayoune

Sarah Pinder

Keith Rogers



Abstract

Objectives: The importance of consistent terminology in describing the appearance of breast calcifications in mammography is well recognised. Imaging of calcifications using electron microscopy is a globally growing field of research. We therefore suggest that the time is ripe to develop a lexicon of terms for classifying the micromorphology of breast calcifications. Methods: Calcifications within a wide range of histological sections of breast tissue, both benign and malignant, were imaged by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These images were examined, and the micromorphology of calcifications present was grouped to create a classification system. Results: Based on the appearance of the calcifications observed, we propose five main categories for classification of the micromorphology of breast calcifications, namely, Dense Homogenous, Punctulate, Banded, Spongy and Aggregate. Conclusions: Use of the descriptive categories outlined here will help to ensure consistency and comparability of published observations on the micromorphology of breast calcifications. Advances in knowledge: This is the first time a lexicon and classification system has been proposed for the micromorphology of breast calcifications, as observed by scanning electron microscopy of histological sections. This will facilitate comparability of observed relationships between micromorphology, mammographic appearance, chemistry and pathology.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 9, 2022
Online Publication Date Jul 25, 2022
Publication Date Nov 1, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal British Journal of Radiology
Print ISSN 0007-1285
Publisher British Institute of Radiology
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 95
Issue 1139
Pages 1- 3
DOI https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr.20220485
Keywords Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging, General Medicine
Publisher URL https://www.birpublications.org/doi/10.1259/bjr.20220485

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