Biopsy method: a major predictor of adherence after benign breast biopsy?
OBJECTIVE
Adopting a longitudinal approach to assess women after breast biopsy with a benign result, this study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of the biopsy method on compliance with clinical recommendations for follow-up.


METHODS
For this study, 410 patients who underwent biopsy of a breast lesion were included: fine-needle aspiration biopsy, n = 95 patients; core biopsy, n = 84; local excision under local anesthesia, n = 72; vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, n = 100; and hookwire localization, n = 59. Information about patient age, place of residence, whether complications occurred, and type of lesion was collected.


RESULTS
Compliance was higher among women who had undergone vacuum-assisted breast biopsy than those who had undergone one of the other biopsy methods. The superiority (carryover effect) of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy persisted for 18 months after the biopsy procedure. Patient compliance for all of the other biopsy methods followed an M pattern, with the peaks corresponding to the follow-up mammography sessions. In patients who had undergone vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, a gradual decrease in compliance over time was observed. Older women were more compliant than younger women with follow-up recommendations regardless of biopsy method. A subanalysis of the vacuum-assisted breast biopsy group indicated that complications are associated with better compliance.


CONCLUSIONS
Women more often adhere to clinical recommendations for follow-up sessions comprising mammography. Patient age and whether biopsy complications occurred also seem to modify compliance. Further studies should assess whether superior compliance after vacuum-assisted breast biopsy persists in other settings, such as with stereotactic or ultrasound guidance, different numbers of cores, and procedures of various durations.
Sergentanis
Theodoros N
TN
Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece, Ampelokipi, Athens 11521, Greece.
Zagouri
Flora
F
Domeyer
Philip
P
Giannakopoulou
Georgia
G
Tsigris
Chris
C
Bramis
John
J
Zografos
George C
GC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014618:Vacuum