Micro-computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Eosin-stained Axillary Lymph Node Biopsies of Females Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Abstract

<p>Histopathological investigation of metastasis in core needle axillary lymph node (ALN) biopsies is crucial for the prognosis and treatment planning of breast cancer patients. Biopsies are typically sliced and evaluated as two-dimensional (2D) images. Biopsy sampling errors and the limited view provided by 2D histology are leading factors contributing to false-negative results in the preoperative detection of metastatic lymph nodes and underestimation of metastatic foci. In this proof-of-concept study, we aim to explore the technical feasibility and the potential capacities of tridimensional (3D) X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging to expedite error detection, enhancement of histopathological accuracy, and precise measurement of metastatic lesion on ALN core needle biopsies of two breast cancer patients. Our self-developed micro-CT protocol uses eosin for the first time, a common histological dye, to enhance 3D architecture of ALNs. Performed analysis on the images of the ALN biopsies involves cancer tissue segmentation, swift biopsy evaluation, and measurement of the metastatic longest diameter and deposit volume. The eosin micro-CT protocol shows potential for an improved tumor deposit estimates, offering additional clinical value compared to standard 2D histology, however, further studies for validating this method are needed.</p>