Xeroradiographic detection of occult breast cancer.

Seventy-five occult cancers of the breast were found in a group of 7010 patients examined by xeroradiography, an incidence of 1% of all patients referred in a group practice setting. Nonpalpable cancers can be shown as a mass with or without calcifications, or as clustered calcifications only. A technique for preoperative localization of occult cancer is discussed. This, plus accurate marking of the surgical specimen, is important in the management of these cases.