Stereotaxic 14-gauge breast biopsy: how many core biopsy specimens are needed?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimum number of specimens to obtain at stereotaxic core breast biopsy.


METHODS
Stereotaxic biopsies were performed in 145 mammographically evident lesions by using a dedicated table with patients in the prone position. Samples were obtained with an automated gun and a 14-gauge needle. Indications for biopsy were calcifications (n = 53) and masses (n = 92). Three to 11 (mean, 5.4) core biopsy specimens were obtained per lesion and were analyzed separately.


RESULTS
Diagnostic material was obtained in the first specimen in 102 (70%) of the 145 lesions. Obtaining two, three, four, five, and six core specimens yielded a diagnosis in 117 (81%), 129 (89%), 132 (91%), 137 (94%), and 140 (97%) of the 145 lesions, respectively. Obtaining five specimens yielded a diagnosis in 46 (87%) of the 53 calcifications and 91 (99%) of the 92 masses. Obtaining six specimens resulted in a diagnosis in 49 (92%) lesions evident as calcifications but did not improve the yield on masses.


CONCLUSIONS
Stereotaxic 14-gauge core biopsy achieved a 99% diagnostic yield with five specimens for masses. Additional specimens may be necessary to diagnose some calcified lesions.
Liberman
L
L
Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021.
Dershaw
D D
DD
Rosen
P P
PP
Abramson
A F
AF
Deutch
B M
BM
Hann
L E
LE
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008852:Microradiography; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques