Breast stereotactic core biopsy washings: abundant cell samples from clinically occult lesions for flow cytometric DNA analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The object of this study was to determine by flow cytometry the cellular and DNA content of the washings of core biopsy samples and needles obtained during stereotactic core biopsies of clinically occult suspicious lesions.


METHODS
Fourteen-gauge core multipass biopsy inner-needle saline washings obtained after dislodgment of the tissue core samples (n = 30) and 14-ga mammotomy core biopsy specimen washings (n = 30) were analyzed by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
Multipass core biopsy needle washings of 7 malignant and 23 benign lesions yielded a median of 10,584 cells per lesion (range 562-29,019 cells). Mammotomy core biopsy specimen washings of 10 malignant and 20 benign lesions yielded a median of 12,164 cells per lesion (range 1,295-115,150). Forty-four (73%) washings in each technique had more than 5000 cells. Flow cytometric DNA ploidy analysis was possible in 60 (100%) and the S phase percentage determination was possible in 59 (98%) of the washings. Aneuploidy was detected in 53% of malignant lesions and 2% of benign lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Core biopsy specimen or needle washings provide abundant fresh cellular material from clinically occult lesions for DNA analysis by flow cytometry.
Stomper
P C
PC
Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY at Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
Budnick
R M
RM
Stewart
C C
CC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011003:Ploidies; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016196:S Phase / Q000502:physiology; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm