Automated stereotactic core needle biopsy of microcalcifications with correlation to surgical biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare pathologic findings from stereotactic core and excisional biopsies in patients with microcalcifications in the breast.


METHODS
Stereotactic core needle biopsies of 101 lesions with mammographic evidence of microcalcifications were performed with long-throw (2.2 cm) automated core biopsy devices fitted with 2.1-mm needles. The core specimens were placed on microscope slides and radiographed. The pathologic features of core and excisional specimens were compared.


RESULTS
In 100 of the 101 breast lesions, a correct choice for an additional diagnostic procedure or definitive treatment could have been made upon histopathologic findings of the core needle biopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
Stereotactic core needle biopsy is a reliable alternative to surgical biopsy of breast lesions with microcalcifications provided that specimen radiography has been performed to ensure that appropriate tissue has been obtained. Excisional biopsy may be avoided if microcalcifications are visible in radiographs of core biopsy specimen with benign histology.
Department of Radiology, Helsinki University, Central Hospital, Finland.
W D
WD
Roth
K
K
von Smitten
P
P
Heikkilä
J
J
Edgren
L
L
Laasonen
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008327:Mammography; D008408:Mastectomy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity