A Novel Method for Determining Calcification Composition
Abstract
Breast calcifications can be divided into two broad categories. Type I are composed of calcium oxylate while type II calcifications all have some phosphorus content most typically calcium hydroxyapatite. Type II calcifications are known to be associated with carcinoma while it is generally accepted that the exclusive finding of type I calcifications is indicative of benign lesions. We have developed a technique that will determine the composition of calcifications based on x-ray coherent scatter (analogous to x-ray diffraction). In this grant we have designed a dedicated coherent scatter imaging system. We have characterized the design and optimized the system. We have developed calibration methods and used these to identify the chemical composition of calcific materials ex vivo. We have also evaluated the potential to image materials in vivo. However due to physical limitations we believe that development of an in vivo system is unlikely. We believe that this methodology has the most value as a screen process in the histological evaluation of specimens.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA472940
Entities
People
- Andrew D. Maidment
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania