Wire Localization Specimen

IMAGING FINDINGS: ​

Specimen image shows a bracketed wire localization of a spiculated mass with associated pleomorphic calcifications. 

WHY IT MATTERS:

1. In breast conservation, the lumpectomy specimen is sent from or imaged in the operating room during a lumpectomy.
2. Analysis of the specimen includes the presence or absence of the lesion/clip.
3. You are also looking at the margins. It is very imprecise but in general, do the calcifications or does the mass go right to the edge of specimen? If so, this will indicate to the surgeon they may need to excise more tissue.
   
   

FURTHER READING:
What to look for on a Breast Specimen Radiograph: Lessons Learnt​ (BMJ Case Rep, 2015)