Changes in breast compressibility with age: implications for stereotactic biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
Stereotactic percutaneous core breast biopsy is a less invasive procedure than open biopsy. However, insufficient breast compression thickness can cause problems with this method, and has been noted particularly in elderly women. This study was conducted to determine the relation between breast compressibility and age.


METHODS
A total of 312 women, aged 28 to 90 years, referred for screening or diagnostic mammography were prospectively evaluated. Routine craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique mammographic views were obtained and resulting compression thicknesses recorded.


RESULTS
The greatest mean breast thickness was found in women 50 to 59 years of age, with younger and older women having less breast compression thickness. The decrease in thickness was statistically significant in women 70 years of age and older. In women older than 80 years, the percentage of breasts that compressed to less than 20 mm (the minimum thickness for safe passage of a core biopsy needle) was 53.8% in the craniocaudal view and 34.6% in the mediolateral view.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of insufficient breast compression thickness, many elderly patients are not suitable candidates for stereotactic core breast biopsy.
Kalbhen
C L
CL
Department of Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill. 60153, USA. ckalbhen@lunis.luc.edu
Kezdi-Rogus
P C
PC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast / Q000502:physiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies