Showing papers on "Mammography published in 1978"
TL;DR: Thirty-one consecutive cases of mammographic isolated, clustered microcalcifications which prompted breast biopsy were studied by radiologic and histopathologic methods; 35% of the lesions were malignant and half of these were noninvasive.
Abstract: Thirty-one consecutive cases of mammographic isolated, clustered microcalcifications which prompted breast biopsy were studied by radiologic and histopathologic methods. Isolated, clustered microcalcifications were sensitive, but nonspecific cancer markers; 35% of the lesions were malignant and half of these were noninvasive. Radiologic and histopathologic similarities, and overlap between benign and malignant disease, prevented accurate differentiation. Breast biopsy is indicated when isolated, clustered microcalcifications are discovered by mammography.
81 citations
TL;DR: Experience with a dedicated breast CT scanner using a contrast medium enhancement technique indicates that CT is superior to mammography, thermography, or physical examination for diagnosing both benign and malignant mammary disease especially in dense, thick, or fibrocystic breasts.
Abstract: Experience with a dedicated breast CT scanner (General Electric CT/M) using a contrast medium enhancement technique indicates that CT is superior to mammography, thermography, or physical examination for diagnosing both benign and malignant mammary disease especially in dense, thick, or fibrocystic breasts. CT is capable of diagnosing totally unsuspected early miniature carcinomas. It can identify and differentiate potential precancerous lesions from benign fibrocystic disease, and is the diagnostic tool of choice for evaluating and following severe fibrocystic disease. CT evaluation also affords definitive diagnostic help in instances where the mammographic, thermographic, and/or physical examinations are inconclusive. It can influence immediate surgical intervention or mitigate against an unnecessary biopsy. The study not only demonstrates morphologic changes in the breast but also accurately depicts an altered iodine pool in mammary tissues.
78 citations
TL;DR: A model of breast cancer is developed that consists of hypotheses about the age‐specific incidence of the disease, the rate of disease progression, the tendency of the Disease to be detected without benefit of regularly scheduled screening examinations, and prognosis related to the extent of disease at treatment.
Abstract: A model of breast cancer is developed that consists of hypotheses about the agespecific incidence of the disease, the rate of disease progression, the tendency of the disease to be detected without benefit of regularly scheduled screening examinations, and prognosis related to the extent of disease at treatment. Parameters for the model are estimated from published data. The model is validated by comparing model predictions to data not used in parameterization. The model, under a variety of assumptions, is then used to analyze questions of interest about breast cancer screening strategies. These include the following: the benefits from screening with mammography and clinical examination as a function of the frequency and starting age of screening, the effect of different assumptions about radiation risks on the benefits of screening, the benefits from screening with mammography if yearly clinical examinations are performed, and the benefits from screening with mammography and clinical examination if self-examinations are performed. Cancer 41:1550-1564,1978.
76 citations
TL;DR: The hamartoma of the breast as discussed by the authors is a well delimited mass composed of dysplastic-appearing mammary tissue admixed to fat and it can be readily recognized and should not be confused with fibroadenoma or mammary dysplasia.
Abstract: Of 10,000 mammographies done over a 9-year period, 16 cases of hamartoma of the breast were diagnosed. The entity is a well delimited mass composed of dysplastic-appearing mammary tissue admixed to fat. It can be readily recognized and should not be confused with fibroadenoma or mammary dysplasia. The accuracy with which it can be diagnosed by mammography makes possible the avoidance of surgical excision in selected patients.
70 citations
TL;DR: A relation was found between the position of a juxtathoracic tumor and the projection in which it was visualized and the mean diameter of tumors not visible due to superimposition of dense tissues was smaller than that of the whole material.
Abstract: A total of 491 cases of breast cancer were reviewed to evaluate the diagnostic importance of the three standard projections; craniocaudal, mediolateral, and oblique. With only one projection, 90% of the malignancies would have been detected; with two and three projections the percentages rose to 94% and 95%, respectively. Nonvisualization was due to either juxtathoracic position of the tumor or superimposition of dense tissues. A relation was found between the position of a juxtathoracic tumor and the projection in which it was visualized. The mean diameter of tumors not visible due to superimposition of dense tissues was smaller than that of the whole material. In breast screening programs, use of two projections, the oblique and craniocaudal, is recommended.
55 citations
TL;DR: Mammography studies, from 1963 through 1972, on 5,918 women over age 30 years with 327 breast cancer on initial studies, were prospectively categorized on a scale of 1 to 4 of increasing amounts of fibroglandular tissue.
Abstract: Mammography studies, from 1963 through 1972, on 5,918 women over age 30 years with 327 breast cancer on initial studies, were prospectively categorized on a scale of 1 to 4 of increasing amounts of fibroglandular tissue. Approximately 60% of the cancers occurred in classes 1 and 2 breasts, about one-third of the patients, while 40% of the cancer were in the remaining two-thirds, comprising classes 3 and 4. There were 54 cancers that developed in breast that previously were free of symptoms, clinical signs, and x-ray abnormality. Up to 36 months one cancer was found in class 1, while 26 cancers were detected in class 4 breasts; two cancers developed in class 2 and seven in class 3. Cancers developing 38 to 88 months after normal examination had an incidence of 0.23% in combined classes 1 and 2 and an incidence of 0.21% in classes 3 and 4. Dense fibroglandular tissue delays detection of breast cancer by mammography. Apparent increase in cancer risk in such breasts is due to this delay. More than a 3-year follow-up is required to assess the life history of breast cancer by mammography.
44 citations
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: The relationship of microcalcification to lobulo-ductal dysplasia and non-invasive carcinoma was studied in 20 women with in situ carcinoma of the breast and it was suggested that microCalcification on the mammogram demonstrates a high risk area of breast rather than a certainty of the presence of carcinoma.
Abstract: The relationship of microcalcification to lobulo-ductal dysplasia and non-invasive carcinoma was studied in 20 women with in situ carcinoma of the breast. All had microcalcification on the mammogram and in half there was also mammographic evidence of disruption of the breast structure. Three-quarters of the women presented with breast symptoms. Multifocal carcinoma was found in seven patients and the histology suggested that not all foci may progress to extensive duct infiltration or invasion. Calcification was found to occur both in carcinoma and in adjacent benign breast lesions and in three cases no evidence of calcification was found in the carcinoma, but was present in adjacent epitheliosis. The origin and distribution of microcalcification appears to be the same in epithelial hyperplasia, noninvasive carcinoma and invasive carcinoma and there may be a relationship between the amount of calcification and the activity of the epithelial cells. Microcalcification is not specific to breast cancer, but is a product of increased cellular activity in the lobulo-ductal complex and may be extruded into the surrounding interstitial tissue. This implies that microcalcification on the mammogram, particularly if sparse, demonstrates a high risk area of breast rather than a certainty of the presence of carcinoma. The histological appearance of in situ intraduct and intralobular carcinoma of the breast has been recognised for many years and is regarded as a pre-invasive stage of breast cancer. These lesions are being discovered with increasing frequency as a result of mammography and as many as 20% of the breast cancers found in screening programmes are at this stage. These lesions pose problems of localisation and management for the surgeons and the borderline changes between epithelial hyperplasia, in situ carcinoma and invasive carcinoma place a difficult responsibility on the pathologist.
28 citations
TL;DR: Screening programs employing mammography, designed to detect breast cancers in this pre‐palpable stage, are encouraged as a means of uncovering a higher proportion of such cancers at an earlier stage in their natural histories.
Abstract: Experience with 189 clinically occult, i.e., nonpalpable breast lesions is presented. The described technique of localization and excision all but guarantees removal of even the smallest radiographically suspicious findings with an inconspicuous incision and minimal breast deformity. The incidence of carcinoma encountered in these 189 biopsies is 27.5%. Axillary node metastases were present in less than 25% of the invasive nonpalpable cancers, approximately half of what might have been expected if the lesions had been discovered in the usual manner. There were no patients with axillary node metastases among those with in situ ductal or microinvasive ductal carcinomas. This implies a better prognosis and lower death rate from breast cancer in these patients. Screening programs employing mammography, designed to detect breast cancers in this pre-palpable stage, are encountered as a means of uncovering a higher proportion of such cancers at an earlier stage in their natural histories.
27 citations
TL;DR: A significant but low-level association was observed between the occurrence of breast cancer and the use of rauwolfia derivatives for 5 or more years in the study of 481 breast cancer cases and 1,268 controls from a joint national mammography screening project of the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
Abstract: A significant but low-level association (relative odds, 2.0; P less than 0.05) was observed between the occurrence of breast cancer and the use of rauwolfia derivatives for 5 or more years in the study of 481 breast cancer cases and 1,268 controls from a joint national mammography screening project of the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. This association was confined to women over age 50 years who were also heavier than average. No confounding effects could be held responsible for this association after adjustment was made for variables such as presence of hypertension, weight, age at first pregnancy, and other breast cancer risk factors. Other antihypertensive and diuretic drugs as well as multiple drug use also exhibited some suggestive associations with breast cancer. Another group of 421 women with benign lesions at breast biopsy were also compared to the 1,268 controls. They showed a significant association between benign lesions and use of thiazides for 5 or more years (relative odds, 2.4; P less than 0.001) whether employed to treat edema or hypertension. Other antihypertensive and diuretic agents also seemed to show this association, but most of them were being used together with thiazides.
25 citations
Journal Article•
18 citations
Book•
01 Oct 1978
TL;DR: History of Breast Echography, Ultrasonic Apparatus with Water-Immersion Scanner, and Differential Diagnostic Criteria Proposed by Various Investigators.
Abstract: History of Breast Echography (Table 1).- Ultrasonic Apparatus with Water-Immersion Scanner.- Method of Examination and Scanning Technique.- Differential Diagnostic Criteria for Breast Cancer Proposed by Various Investigators (Table 2).- Diagnostic Accuracy Rates of Ultrasound and Mammography (Tables 3 and 4).- Diagnostic Accuracy Rates Achieved by Various Investigators (Table 5).- Differential Diagnostic Signs (Table 6).- Dependability of Appearance of Differential Diagnostic Signs (Table 7).- Connective Tissue Content and Ultrasonic Attenuation (Tables 8, 9, and 10).- Mass Screening Ultrasonic Apparatus for Early Detection of Breast Cancer.- Manufacturers of Ultrasonic Diagnostic Equipment.- I Bistable Echography.- Schematic Illustration of Differential Criteria.- Demonstration of Typical Echographic Comparison of Differential Criteria.- The Normal Breast.- Benign Diseases Of The Breast.- Mastopathia Chronica (Fibrocystic Disease).- Fibroadenoma.- Benign Cyst.- Large Benign Cyst.- Large Benign Cyst.- Small Benign Cyst.- Cystosarcoma Phylloides (T2).- Chronic Mastitis with Lactation.- Fat Necrosis.- Foreign Body in the Breast.- Malignant Diseases Of The Breast.- Typical Comparison of Benign Cyst and Breast Cancer.- Typical Comparison of Small Fibroadenoma and Early Breast Cancer.- Scirrhous Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Scirrhous Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Scirrhous Carcinoma (T2).- Scirrhous Carcinoma, Medium-Sized (T2).- Scirrhous Carcinoma, Advanced (T3).- Scirrhous Carcinoma in Different Sizes.- Papillary Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Papillary Carcinoma, Medium-Sized (T2).- Papillary Carcinoma, Medium-Sized (T2).- Papillary Carcinoma in Different Sizes.- Medullary Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Medullary Carcinoma (Tl).- Medullary Carcinoma, Medium-Sized (T2).- Medullary Carcinoma, Advanced (T3).- Medullary Carcinoma in Different Sizes.- Mucous Carcinoma.- Mucous Carcinoma (T3).- Differentiating among Fibroadenoma, Cystosarcoma Phylloides, and.- Mucous Carcinoma (Table 11).- Differentiating among Papillary Carcinoma, Mucous Carcinoma, and Metastatic (Anaplastic) Carcinoma.- II Gray Scale Echography.- Clinical Significance of Gray Scale Display Technique.- The Normal Breast.- Normal Echograms in Various Ages.- Benign Diseases Of The Breast.- Mastopathy.- Mastopathy.- Mastopathy with Cystic Degeneration.- Mastopathy in Large Breast.- Normal Breast and Benign Cyst.- Benign Cyst (Single Large Cyst).- Double Cysts in the Breast.- Multiple Cysts in the Breast.- Cysts in Bilateral Breasts.- Fibroadenoma.- Cystosarcoma Phylloides.- Echographic Comparison of Mastopathy, Fibroadenoma, Cyst, and Cystosarcoma Phylloides.- Foreign Body in the Breast.- Malignant Diseases Of The Breast.- Scirrhous Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Scirrhous Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Scirrhous Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Scirrhous Carcinoma (T2).- Medullary Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer (Tl).- Medullary Carcinoma, Medium-Sized (T2).- Medullary Carcinoma, Medium-Sized (T2).- Medullary Carcinoma, Medium-Sized (T2).- III Expanded Echography.- Expanded Echography for Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis (Table 12).- Expanded Echogram: Benign Cyst.- Expanded Echogram: Small Fibroadenoma 160.- Expanded Echogram: Medullary Carcinoma, Early Breast Cancer.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Information coupled with other factors indicating a high risk for the development of breast cancer, such as florid epithelial dysplasia, a previous history of Breast cancer or a family history of breastcancer, should increase the yield of early carcinomas at a preclinical stage and reduce costs of a screening programme.
Abstract: The xerographic mammography records of 3,002 patients with breast disease were reviewed and classified according to the criteria of Wolfe. The parenchymal P2 pattern occurred in 59% of patients with cancer and in only 16,9% patients under the age of 40 without cancer, but the incidence of the DY pattern was much the same in patients with cancer and in those without cancer in almost all the age groups studied. The incidence of the P2 pattern tended to rise slightly in patients without cancer, whereas the incidence of the DY pattern tended to remain the same in all groups. The findings of Wolfe and others have been confirmed by this study, which also supports the suggestion that women under the age of 40 undergo a baseline xerographic examination of the breasts for cancer and that subsequent screening be based on the presence of a P2 pattern. This will involve a selection of 16,9% of the under 40-year-old subjects without cancer who might, on screening be expected to show 60% of the cancers in each decade after the age of 40. This information coupled with other factors indicating a high risk for the development of breast cancer, such as florid epithelial dysplasia, a previous history of breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer, should increase the yield of early carcinomas at a preclinical stage and reduce costs of a screening programme.
TL;DR: Comparison of the theoretical results and those obtained experimentally with the Stanton mammography phantom indicate that operation at less than optimum photon energies is a major cause of inefficiency in film/screen mammography.
Abstract: The x-ray photon energies that give the highest signal-to-noise ratios per unit of exposure or average dose in mammography are significantly greater than those used in current film/screen systems. Optimum photon energies for detection of calcifications in a range of thicknesses of water and fat were calculated. Soft-tissue targets were also considered. Comparison of the theoretical results and those obtained experimentally with the Stanton mammography phantom indicate that operation at less than optimum photon energies is a major cause of inefficiency in film/screen mammography. On the other hand, electrostatic imaging systems, because of their processing flexibility, can operate at the optimum photon energy levels, thus minimizing either dose or exposure.
TL;DR: No matter how strong the clinical suspicion that a breast lesion represents fat necrosis, an excisional biopsy is necessary for confirmation in all cases.
Abstract: • Fat necrosis of the breast is an uncommon entity but may mimic malignancy on both mammographic and clinical examination. Seven patients had recent excisional breast biopsy specimens that showed fat necrosis. The mammographic appearance is a reflection of the reparative phase of the lesion, with a cystic appearance representing early or incomplete healing. Progression to connective tissue invasion appears as an irregular, dense, spiculated mass. Clinically, these tumors may be firm, fixed, and produce overlying skin or nipple retraction. No matter how strong the clinical suspicion that a breast lesion represents fat necrosis, an excisional biopsy is necessary for confirmation in all cases. ( Arch Surg 113:801-805, 1978)
Journal Article•
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Fine needle aspiration biopsy for cytologic diagnosis has been shown to be an effective adjunct to the clinical evaluation of masses of the breast by physical examination and mammography and in obtaining a pathologic interpretation of any mass that is to be observed.
Abstract: Fine needle aspiration biopsy for cytologic diagnosis has been shown to be an effective adjunct to the clinical evaluation of masses of the breast by physical examination and mammography. In addition to adequately decompressing cystic masses, the procedure has been beneficial in obtaining a pathologic interpretation of any mass that is to be observed. Preoperative knowledge of the malignant nature of a mass of the breast allows the physician to investigate more selectively the possibility of metastatic disease and to consider more intelligently treatment options. Furthermore, the psychologic agony of the unknown for the patient and her family is avoided. Although histologic confirmation is always recommended before proceeding with mastectomy, a positive cytologic diagnosis can suffice when clinically advanced carcinoma is present or when there are medical contraindications to surgical treatment. Because of the false-negative rate of aspiration cytologic diagnosis, all clinically malignant or suspicious masses should have a biopsy in the face of benign cytology. This point cannot be over emphasized and is particularly pertinent to those patients in whom high risk factors of carcinoma of the breast are present. Inconclusive aspirates should be repeated or a biopsy of the mass should be done.
TL;DR: The results of breast biopsies for mammographic findings have been presented, and it is believed that a significant number of these were found in women less than fifty years old, which justifies the continued judicious use of mammography, even in the younger patient, if clinically indicated.
Abstract: The results of breast biopsies for mammographic findings have been presented, in which 314 biopsies were done on 274 patients. From this number of biopsies, the diagnosis of cancer was established in fifty-seven cases (18 per cent of the biopsies). More than 50 per cent of the lesions were infiltrating duct cell carcinomas. The number of breast biopsies required increased markedly after the national publicity in 1974. As more biopsies were done, the incidence of carcinoma increased, and a significant number of these were found in women less than fifty years old. We believe this justifies the continued judicious use of mammography, even in the younger patient, if clinically indicated.
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: Effectiveness of mass-screening for cancer depends on five factors at least: incidence and history of the disease, diagnostic sensitivity, therapies resulting in high long-term survival rates, information and health education to motivate the largest possible number of people to participate, and costs as a result of the four factors.
Abstract: Effectiveness of mass-screening for cancer depends on five factors at least: (1) incidence and history of the disease, (2) diagnostic sensitivity to avoid a significant number of false negatives and false positives, (3) therapies resulting in high long-term survival rates, (4) information and health education to motivate the largest possible number of people to participate, and (5) costs as a result of the four factors mentioned above in terms of money spent per person, organization needed, manpower, etc.
TL;DR: A new breast phantom has been designed for use in evaluating mammographic system performance, and results demonstrate the usefulness of the basic phantom design, and suggest possible improvements.
Abstract: A new breast phantom has been designed for use in evaluating mammographic system performance. This phantom incorporates simulated calcifications and fibrillar objects in fat, of graded size, to permit measurements of detail visibility. A special methodology has been developed for measuring visible object size to achieve reproducible and clinically relevant results. Materials and construction of the phantom also permit carrying out dosimetry with an appropriate ionization chamber. Dosage and detail visibility measurements are reported for the Xerox 125, Min-R and Xonics systems. In addition to providing information regarding technique and image receptors, these results demonstrate the usefulness of the basic phantom design, and suggest possible improvements.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Although mammography is at least as important as palpation and the only means of detecting nonpalpable lesions, both examinations are most effective as complementary procedures.
Abstract: Mammography is a major advance and essential in the earlier detection, diagnosis and management of carcinoma of the breast and should be more widely applied. Although mammography is at least as important as palpation and the only means of detecting nonpalpable lesions, both examinations are most effective as complementary procedures. A breast operation for suspected carcinoma should never be done without preoperative mammography. Mammographic needle localization and biopsy roentgenography are extremely useful, if not essential, in the surgical management of nonpalpable lesions.
TL;DR: The trans-molybdenum tube was shown to have output and dose advantages over Mo anodes, and output and contrast advantages over normal and selectively filtered W anodes.
Abstract: Possible mammographic advantages of “trans-molybdenum” anodes (atomic number > ZMo) are decreased dose because the fluorescent radiation is more penetrating, and increased useful output; contrast degradation is known to be tolerable. The output per mAs, the HVT in Al, and the penetration in Lucite were measured spectroscopically for an experimental Rh-anode tube and also for Mo- and W-anode mammographic tubes. The trans-molybdenum tube was shown to have output and dose advantages over Mo anodes, and output and contrast advantages over normal and selectively filtered W anodes. Possible applications in areas other than mammography are briefly discussed.
TL;DR: In the United States, breast cancer is a major neoplastic disease that accounted for almost 90,000 new cases in 1977 and 38,000 deaths in 1977.
Abstract: Excerpt In the United States, breast cancer is a major neoplastic disease that accounted for almost 90 000 new cases in 1977 and 38 000 deaths. One of every 14 women will develop breast cancer in h...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: An inexpensive 22-gauge flat head needle is described which permits rapid and virtually painless preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions after a mammogram is obtained.
Abstract: The author describes an inexpensive 22-gauge flat head needle which permits rapid and virtually painless preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions. The lesion is transfixed and anchored by the needle to the skin after a mammogram is obtained.
TL;DR: A pilot study is described in which a new design of a sensitive ultrasonic device was used to visualize breast lesions in nine patients, and ultrasound was superior to x‐ray mammography in the visualization of discrete cysts in breasts having a “dense” background.
Abstract: A pilot study is described in which a new design of a sensitive ultrasonic device was used to visualize breast lesions in nine patients. The results were in general accord with clinical, histologic, and x-ray examinations, although ultrasound was superior to x-ray mammography in the visualization of discrete cysts in breasts having a “dense” background.
As the device provides an indication of the capabilities of ultrasonic equipment which will be generally available within the next two years, projections are made on the impact of this equipment on the earlier diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, together with a discussion of the negligible radiation bio-hazards posed by devices of this type, in the light of present knowledge.
TL;DR: The benefit of mammography for screening asymptomatic women is estimated on the basis of figures from the literature applying four criteria; clinically occult breast cancers, results of the HIP-study, clinically occult cancers without axillary nodal involvement, and clinically occult "minimal" cancers.
Abstract: After commenting the assessment of the benefits of medical measures some remarks are made concerning the risk of mammography which has been discussed in detail else where. The benefit of mammography for screening asymptomatic women is estimated on the basis of figures from the literature applying four criteria; 1. Results of the HIP-study, 2. clinically occult breast cancers, 3. clinically occult cancers without axillary nodal involvement, 4. clinically occult "minimal" cancers. On the basis of 10 years-survival it follows that 7% of all breast cancers will be additionally "curable" through screening by mammography. This age-independent value has to be considered apart from risk of radiation induced cancer and benefit/risk-ratios, which are strongly agedependent. Costs of mammography and the screening of high-risk groups are briefly considered.
TL;DR: According to reported data the value of this screening program in terms of secondary prevention (early diagnosis) is confirmed and the possibility of hazards in the use of repeated mammography in mass screening is discussed.
Abstract: In 1969 the Center for Social Diseases of Florence started a screening program for early breast cancer detection. The female population over 40 years of age of a group of outlying towns of the District was invited. From January 1969 till March 1977, 21,725 women have been examined in the program. Mammography was the diagnostic procedure of choice, followed by physical examination if necessary. Negative cases were controlled with biennial mammography. This paper summarizes and evaluates the results of this screening program. At first mammography, 67 cancers were detected, 37% of which were clinically unapparent, 62.3% staged T1A, and 52% N--. The average stage at diagnosis is certainly better than the average stage of cancers diagnosed in unscreened women, thus a better prognosis is expected. Actuarial survival rate of detected cancers was 94 +/- 3.7% at 5 years. False negative and false positive cases are reported. The possibility of hazards in the use of repeated mammography in mass screening is discussed. According to reported data the value of this screening program in terms of secondary prevention (early diagnosis) is confirmed.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Paraffin-block radiography of 658 blocks from 119 breast biopsies obtained prior to the use of mammography and initially interpreted as benign was performed to determine the frequency and relevance of "significant" calcifications.
Abstract: The presence of occult breast carcinoma in breast biopsy specimens originally interpreted pathologically as benign has been reported in up to 2.4% of cases. Paraffin-block radiography of 658 blocks from 119 breast biopsies obtained prior to the use of mammography and initially interpreted as benign was performed to determine the frequency and relevance of "significant" calcifications. Of all cases 87.4% demonstrated some calcifications within the breast tissue; 19.3% contained calcifications considered significant. Step sections of the original blocks containing significant calcifications did not demonstrate malignant neoplasms.