Digital stereotactic biopsies for nonpalpable breast lesion.
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous biopsy (BP) is a valid alternative to open surgical biopsy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results and diagnostic value of vacuum-assisted core biopsy (VACB; Mammotome) and advanced breast biopsy instrumentation (ABBI).


METHODS
From June 1999 to December 2001, 360 BPs were performed: all patients had dubious mammography lesions not confirmed by ultrasonography. Indications were as follows 264 (73.3%) microcalcifications, 64 (17.8%) nodular opacities, and 32 (8.8%) parenchymal distortions.


RESULTS
All BPs were performed with a digital stereotactic table with a vacuum suction aspiration system for VACB and a cutting cannula for ABBI. All BPs were correctly performed. Seventy-one (19.7%) lesions were malignant, whereas 258 (71.6%) were benign: 31 (8.6%) of the lesions removed with VACB were atypical ductal hyperplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
BP is a valid method for the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesions. In our experience, VACB is the method of choice because it is easy to perform and has high adaptability.
Mariotti
C
C
Clinica di Chirurgia Generale e Metodologia Università di Ancona, Azienda Ospedaliera Umberto I, Largo Cappelli 1, 60121, Ancona, Italy. maddanice@yahoo.com
Feliciotti
F
F
Baldarelli
M
M
Serri
L
L
Santinelli
A
A
Fabris
G
G
Baccarini
M
M
Maggi
S
S
Angelini
L
L
De Marco
M
M
Lezoche
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000175:diagnosis; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000175:diagnosis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000175:diagnosis; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013396:Suction