title: Fine-wire localization for nonpalpable mammographic abnormalities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the predictive value of fine-wire localization (FWL) biopsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A chart review.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, BC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and thirty-five women who underwent 239 biopsies for abnormal mammographic findings between Jan. 1, 1991, and Dec. 31, 1992. The average age was 58 years (range from 33 to 83 years).
  
  
  METHODS
  FWL biopsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Positive findings of cancer on FWL biopsy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mammographic findings were as follows: a mass only in 98 cases (41.0%), microcalcification in 90 (37.7%), a spiculated mass in 20 (7.5%), an ill-defined density in 18 (8.4%) and a mass with microcalcification in 13 (5.4%). Malignant lesions were found in 97 (40.6%) of 239 biopsies. These included 55 infiltrating ductal carcinomas, 31 in-situ carcinomas, 7 infiltrating lobular carcinomas and 4 miscellaneous carcinomas. Spiculated masses were associated with malignancy in 18 (90%) of the 20 biopsies. Also, 41 (42%) of the 98 masses and 30 (33%) of the 90 microcalcifications were malignant. Only 4 (31%) of the 13 masses with associated microcalcification and 4 (22%) of the 18 ill-defined densities were malignant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 40.6% rate of positive findings supports the use of FWL biopsy as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, BC.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Fedoruk
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bojm
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Bugis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests