Archived Case 27

Two thumbnail artifacts are present on the Left CC view centrally. This occurs when one is overaggressive grabbing the film from the cassette and placing it in the processor. The thumbnail makes an impression on the film, causing dark arcs. This problem is avoided with daylight processors. Digital mammography can produce different artifacts, but thumbnail and fingerprint are eliminated.

These can sometimes be confused for calcifications. Patients are asked not to wear deodorant prior to a mammogram. (Makes ultrasounds so pleasant!)