Radiography of the surgical specimen in early stage breast lesions: diagnostic reliability in the analysis of the resection margins.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of specimen radiography in the assessment of the status of resection margins in early stage breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 123 consecutive patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery for early stage breast lesions. Specimen radiography in the two orthogonal views and with direct magnification was obtained in all cases to assess presence or absence of the lesion, position of the lesion within the surgical specimen and direction in which to extend the excision in cases of lesions located close to the margin. Diagnostic reliability was evaluated for only 102 patients with malignant lesions. RESULTS: Comparison between the radiological and histological diagnoses before immediate reexcision had 66% sensitivity, 86% specificity, 74% positive predictive value and 81% negative predictive value. Definitive histological assessment of margin status, including status after reexcision, was infiltrated margins in 23 patients (23%) and clear margins in 79 patients (77%). Definitive histological assessment in 12/19 patients (63.15%) with intraoperative reexcision, confirmed margin infiltration of the first specimen. Twenty patients (20%) underwent a second surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Specimen radiography was reliable in identifying clear margins (74% positive predictive value) and reduced the rate of reintervention from 31% to 20%. Better results will be provided by digital mammographic equipment.