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Non-invasive classification of microcalcifications with phase-contrast X-ray mammography

Author

Listed:
  • Zhentian Wang

    (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut)

  • Nik Hauser

    (Interdisciplinary Breast Center Baden, Kantonsspital Baden)

  • Gad Singer

    (Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baden)

  • Mafalda Trippel

    (Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baden)

  • Rahel A. Kubik-Huch

    (Kantonsspital Baden)

  • Christof W. Schneider

    (Paul Scherrer Institut)

  • Marco Stampanoni

    (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut
    Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zürich)

Abstract

Microcalcifications can be indicative in the diagnosis of early breast cancer. Here we report a non-invasive diagnostic method that may potentially distinguish between different types of microcalcifications using X-ray phase-contrast imaging. Our approach exploits the complementary nature of the absorption and small-angle scattering signals of microcalcifications, obtained simultaneously with an X-ray grating interferometer on a conventional X-ray tube. We demonstrate that the new approach has 100% sensitivity and specificity when applied to phantom data, and we provide evidence of the solidity of the technique by showing its discrimination power when applied to fixed biopsies, to non-fixed tissue specimens and to fresh, whole-breast samples. The proposed method might be further developed to improve early breast cancer diagnosis and has the potential to increase the diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of uncomfortable breast biopsies, or, in case of widespread microcalcifications, to select the biopsy site before intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhentian Wang & Nik Hauser & Gad Singer & Mafalda Trippel & Rahel A. Kubik-Huch & Christof W. Schneider & Marco Stampanoni, 2014. "Non-invasive classification of microcalcifications with phase-contrast X-ray mammography," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4797
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4797
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