Ultrasound-guided large needle core biopsy of the axilla.
OBJECTIVE
To study the diagnostic yield and safety aspects of large needle core biopsy of pathologic lesions in the axillary region using a semi-automatic biopsy gun.


METHODS
A series of 21 consecutive large needle core (14G, 2.1 mm) biopsies of the axilla was evaluated. The biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance with one (n = 13) or two (n = 8) needle passes. The results were correlated to the clinical, mammographic, ultrasound and surgical histopathologic findings.


RESULTS
In 18 patients, specimens large enough for diagnosis were retrieved. In two patients the specimens were insufficient and non-diagnostic. In one patient with a non-malignant yield the result was false-negative. No neural or vascular injury occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The procedure might be safely employed in the diagnosis of ultrasonographically demonstrable lesions of the axilla, whenever specimens larger than those obtainable with a fine needle are desired.
Abdsaleh
S
S
Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. shahin_abd@hotmail.com
Azavedo
E
E
Lindgren
P G
PG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001365:Axilla; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional