The diagnostic accuracy of core biopsy in palpable and non-palpable breast lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the accuracy of large-core needle biopsy in evaluating palpable and nonpalpable breast lesions.


METHODS
Stereotaxic and ultrasound (US) guided core biopsies were performed in 103 breast lesions in 97 patients. Subsequently, all patients underwent surgery. All specimens (core biopsy and surgical) underwent radiography for evaluation of microcalcifications. The histopathologic findings of the core biopsies and the surgical specimens were correlated.


RESULTS
Core biopsies and surgery findings were concordant in 100% of the 27 palpable lesions and in 89% of the 76 nonpalpable lesions. One case of malignancy, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), was not diagnosed by core biopsy. In 102 (99%) of the 103 breast lesions, a correct choice for additional diagnostic procedure or definitive treatment could have been made upon histopathologic findings of core biopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
Stereotaxic and ultrasound-guided core biopsy are safe, reliable and less traumatic than excisional biopsy. Special attention is necessary when atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or DCIS without invasive carcinoma is found. Radiography of the biopsy specimens for detection of microcalcifications is essential.
Pijnappel
R M
RM
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Utrecht, Netherlands.
van Dalen
A
A
Borel Rinkes
I H
IH
van den Tweel
J G
JG
Mali
W P
WP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012449:Safety; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary