Factors predicting successful needle-localized breast biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify factors that predict successful removal of nonpalpable breast lesions with mammography-guided needle-localized breast biopsy.


METHODS
Of the 455 consecutive patients referred for needle-localized breast biopsy of one or more nonpalpable breast lesions between January 1990 and December 1994, 272 (59.8%) had sufficiently complete data to be included in this study. Medical charts, pathology laboratory reports, wire-placement mammograms, and radiographs of specimens from each patient were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the effect of the following factors on the success of the procedure: distance from the lesion to the localizing wire, breast density, breast size, specimen volume, and lesion volume. All radiographs were independently evaluated by two radiologists who are experts in breast imaging.


RESULTS
Needle-localized breast biopsy was successful in 254 (93.3%) of 272 lesions. Placement of the localization wire within 5 mm of the breast lesion was a significant predictor of successful lesion removal (P = .007). Results from logistic regression analysis showed that needle-localized breast biopsy failure was associated with increased wire distance (P = .0006), decreased breast size (P = .02), and decreased specimen volume (P = .03).


CONCLUSIONS
Needle localization wires should be placed within 5 mm of mammographically visible lesions to increase the probability of successful lesion excision.
Abrahamson
Page E
PE
Department of Epidemiology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Dunlap
Larry A
LA
Amamoo
M Ahinee
MA
Schell
Michael J
MJ
Braeuning
M Patricia
MP
Pisano
Etta D
ED
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D016387:Women's Health