Systems and methods for x-ray imaging tissue specimens

An x-ray breast imaging system includes a breast support platform including an x-ray receptor, and an x-ray tube head. The x-ray tube head includes an x-ray source configured to emit an x-ray beam in a direction towards the x-ray receptor, and a collimator. A filter assembly including a plurality of filter slots selectively positionable adjacent to the collimator, and a specimen imaging filter disposed within a slot of the plurality of filter slots. The specimen imaging filter includes at least one aperture defined therein. The specimen imaging filter also blocks a portion of the emitted x-ray beam so that the at least one aperture defines a path of the emitted x-ray beam towards the x-ray receptor.