Analysis about correlation between the shape and histopathological locations of mammographic microcalcifications

To analyze the location of microcalcifications present on pathologic specimens and the relationship between the shape of clustered microcalcifications seen on mammogram and the location of these microcalcifications on pathologic specimen. In 84 female patients aged 25-68, we analysed the location of microcalcifications seen on pathologic speciments. In 65 cases, the shape of these microcalcifications correlated with their location. These shapes, as seen on mammograms, were classified as granular, linear, or branching;the location of microcalcifications was difined as intraductal, stromal, lobular, or a mixture of the three. To determine the difference, if any, between pathologic diagnosis and pathological location and shape as seen on mammograms, statistical analysis using the Chi-square test was performed. Among 84 cases, 51 were benign and 33cases were malignant. In both types of disease, in 45% and 58% of cases, respectively, microcalcifications were located intraductally. There was no statistically significant difference between pathologic diagnosis and pathologic locations (p=3D0.191);analysis of the relationship between shape of microcalcification and pathological location similarly revealed no statistically significant difference(p>0.05). In four of 33 cases of malignant disease(12%), there was microcalcification not only of the tumor itself but also of the adjacent non-tumorous region. Regardless of whether the disease was benign or melignant, microcalcifieations were most commonly intraductal. The relationship between shape and location of microcalcifications seen on pathologic specimens demonstrated no statistical significance.=20