title: Comparison of needle-core (Trucut) biopsy and surgical biopsy for the diagnosis of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses: a prospective study of 51 cases (November 1997-August 1998).
abstract: Cutaneous or subcutaneous masses in 51 dogs and cats were examined by needle-core (i.e., Trucut) biopsy, and results were compared to results of surgical biopsy to assess the accuracy of the former. Needle-core specimens obtained before surgical biopsy were submitted to a single pathologist who evaluated both samples and was blinded to the results of surgical biopsy when evaluating the Trucut specimen. The results indicate that needle-core biopsy can accurately predict surgical biopsy. Thus, needle-core biopsy performed before surgical excision of masses can facilitate planning and reduce the need for numerous surgical procedures. Needle-core biopsy can direct appropriate treatment of nonmalignant masses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Animal Medical Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Aitken
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Patnaik
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*