title: Large-core needle biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass 02115, USA. jemeyer@bics.bwh.harvard.edu
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lester
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kaelin
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: DiPiro
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Denison
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Christian
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Selland
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Durfee
mesh_terms: 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