Large-core needle biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions.
BACKGROUND
An increasing number of nonpalpable abnormalities requiring breast biopsy are being identified due to the widespread use of screening mammography. Large-core needle biopsy (LCNB) has become an alternative to surgical excision.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether LCNB is a safe and accurate technique to evaluate nonpalpable abnormalities found on breast imaging studies.


METHODS
Case series at an institutional referral center from August 1, 1991, to December 31, 1997.


METHODS
A total of 1643 women with 1 or more suspicious breast abnormalities received LCNBs (n = 1836 lesions).


METHODS
The LCNB of the breast uses a 14- or 11-gauge needle with stereotactic localization or ultrasound guidance.


METHODS
Utility and potential limitations of LCNB compared with the criterion standard, surgical excision after wire localization.


RESULTS
Of the 1836 breast lesions sampled, 444 (24%) were found to be malignant. A total of 412 (22%) were found to be malignant on the initial LCNB and 202 repeat biopsies yielded 32 additional malignancies. Complications were infrequent: 1 patient experienced a superficial infection and 1 developed a pneumothorax after LCNB.


CONCLUSIONS
Image-guided LCNB is a reliable diagnostic alternative to surgical excision of suspicious nonpalpable breast abnormalities.
Meyer
J E
JE
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass 02115, USA. jemeyer@bics.bwh.harvard.edu
Smith
D N
DN
Lester
S C
SC
Kaelin
C
C
DiPiro
P J
PJ
Denison
C M
CM
Christian
R L
RL
Harvey
S C
SC
Selland
D L
DL
Durfee
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography