Is specimen mammography beneficial?
OBJECTIVE
Specimen mammography is not beneficial in the management or outcome of patients undergoing image-guided needle-localized breast biopsies.


METHODS
A retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent needle/dye-localized breast biopsies between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 1995.


METHODS
National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, Md)-designated comprehensive cancer center.


METHODS
One hundred sixty-four patients underwent 165 needle/dye-localized breast biopsies for suspicious mammographic abnormalities.


RESULTS
In only 3 (1.8%) of 165 patients did the patient clearly benefit from specimen mammography. In no patient was a malignant neoplasm missed. The mean time for the specimen mammogram was 20 minutes, adding an additional 55 hours of operating room time. Specimen mammography cost an additional $60,522 and was incorrect in 41 (24.8%) of 165 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Specimen mammography added little to patient care, as only 3 (1.8%) of 165 patients benefited from the information.
Bimston
D N
DN
Department of General Oncologic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
Bebb
G G
GG
Wagman
L D
LD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies