[Histologic microbiopsy with 14 G needle in the diagnosis of breast lesions. Experience with 1000 cases].
OBJECTIVE
We report our experience with large core biopsy (LCB: 14-Gauge needles) of questionable or suspicious breast lesions detected at mammography and/or US. All biopsies were performed under instrumental guidance. We also report on technique, costs, time, advantages and disadvantages of the method and, finally, give precise indications on when and why large core biopsy is needed.


METHODS
From january 1996 to may 2000 we performed 1000 microhistologic biopsies on breast lesions at the Unità Integrata di Senologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Careggi, Florence; 650 (65%) were non palpable lesions. Large core needles were used (14-Gauge caliber). In the majority of cases (70%) we used US guidance, in the others a stereotactic guidance was employed.


RESULTS
Microhistologic biopsy allowed accurate characterization in most cases. Inadequate samples were obtained in 15 cases. The false negative rate was 6%. Surgery was needed to characterize the lesion unquestionably in 13 cases only.


CONCLUSIONS
In agreement with literature reports, our results confirm large core biopsy as an adequate alternative to surgical biopsy and, to some extent, to FNAC, thanks to its moderate invasiveness, low costs, short execution time, little patient discomfort and high sensitivity (93.98%) and specificity (99.7%).
Nori
J
J
Dipartimento di Radiodiagnostica 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Careggi, Viale Morgagni 85, 50134 Firenze.
Cariti
G
G
Masi
A
A
Vivian
A
A
Di Lollo
S
S
Boeri
C
C
Vezzosi
V
V
Nori Bufalini
F
F
Bianchi
S
S
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity