Stereotaxic core needle biopsy of breast microcalcifications: correlation of target accuracy and diagnosis with lesion size.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if lesion size or number of calcifications affects the ability to obtain microcalcifications or a specific histologic diagnosis at stereotaxic core needle biopsy (SCNB).


METHODS
Mammographic findings and histopathologic reports of 138 lesions in 124 patients (aged 30-87 years; mean age, 56.2 years) who underwent SCNB of calcifications were reviewed. Calcifications in the specimen and attainment of a specific diagnosis were correlated with lesion size and number of calcifications.


RESULTS
Calcifications were obtained in 118 cases (86%). A specific diagnosis was reported in 72 cases (52%). Differences in retrieval of calcifications or ability to establish a specific diagnosis with decreasing lesion size or decreasing number of calcifications were not statistically significant. Attainment of a specific diagnosis was significantly related to retrieval of calcifications (P<.005).


CONCLUSIONS
SCNB was successful in obtaining calcifications in a high percentage of cases regardless of lesion size or number of calcifications. When calcifications were retrieved, a specific diagnosis was attained in most cases (72 of 118).
Mainiero
M B
MB
Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8042, USA.
Philpotts
L E
LE
Lee
C H
CH
Lange
R C
RC
Carter
D
D
Tocino
I
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques