Factitious microcalcifications in breast biopsy material: Laboratory-induced error by use of tattoo powder for specimen mammography

A xeromammogram led to the surgical excision of a calcified breast lesion on a 66-year-old female. Before specimen mammography was performed, the excised tissue was oriented with tattoo pigment. The specimen mammogram then revealed multiple calcifications caused by unsuspected radio-opaque material in the tattoo pigment, and the original calcifications were obscured. This case demonstrates the hazards involved utilizing tattoo powders for orienting xeromammographically discovered specimens.