Needle core biopsy of the breast with a spring-loaded device.
Over a 2-year period, 151 outpatients with a palpable breast lump requiring needle core biopsy were randomized to a Tru-Cut 14-G (T14), Bioptycut 14-G (B14) or Bioptycut 18-G (B18) needle. Use of a Biopty gun resulted in less pain than a Tru-Cut needle. An inadequate sample was obtained after two needle passes in 11 of 49 (T14), none of 51 (B14) and two of 51 (B18) patients (chi 2 = 14.6, 2 d.f., P = 0.0007). Tissue samples were assessed by a single pathologist for tissue volume and overall diagnostic value; the B14 group scored better than the B18 and T14 for both of these parameters (P < 0.003). The sensitivities were 68 (T14), 88 (B14) and 96 (B18) per cent (overall chi 2 = 7.3, 2 d.f., P = 0.026). The Biopty gun with a 14-G needle results in a higher sampling success rate, greater diagnostic sensitivity and a better specimen quality than the Tru-Cut, and is much easier to use.
McMahon
A J
AJ
Department of Surgery, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, UK.
Lutfy
A M
AM
Matthew
A
A
Walls
A D
AD
McOrmick
J S
JS
Henderson
M A
MA
Auld
C D
CD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity