Radiograms of nonpalpable breast lesions containing calcifications represent one of the most important fields of using x-ray in breast pathology. An analysis of a group of 52 nonpalpable lesions of breast with calcifications revealed a discrepancy between the presence of calcifications in radiograms and in histological sections. An absence of calcifications was observed in 47 of 301 (15.7%) paraffin blocks. Calcifications were lost by cutting them off from the blocks, by leaving them deeper in blocks so that they were absent in sections, or by losing them by various other ways during processing of the blocks. An algorithm for examination of nonpalpable calcified lesions of breast has been developed. During the procedure, tissue slices and paraffin block were x-rayed, thus increasing the detection of calcifications in blocks from 76 % to 84.3 %.

        Key words: specimen radiography - breast - calcifications - paraffin blocks