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.
Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece, Ampelokipi, Athens 11521, Greece.
Theodoros N
TN
Sergentanis
Flora
F
Zagouri
Philip
P
Domeyer
Georgia
G
Giannakopoulou
Chris
C
Tsigris
John
J
Bramis
George C
GC
Zografos
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