Pathology of Benign Breast Lesions

Abstract

Nonoperative diagnostic procedures such as needle core biopsy or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are essential for appropriate decision-making in the management of the patient with benign or malignant breast disease. A conclusive radiological and histological diagnosis of benign breast disease allays anxiety in the woman concerned, especially if this can be achieved without surgical operation. Inadequate sampling from fibrotic lesions, such as lobular carcinoma, hyalinised fibroadenomas and scattered microcalcification, now limits the use of FNAC, which was once a popular diagnostic modality. Consequently more and more units are using stereotactic needle core biopsies in combination or as an adjunct to FNAC as a diagnostic tool. Needle core biopsies benefit from a higher sensitivity and specificity than FNAC (Britton 1999). More sections can be cut, and immunocytochemistry stains carried out on a needle core biopsy which may assist in reaching a diagnosis in equivocal cases. Needle core biopsies are also preferred to localise excision biopsies as they potentially spare patients with benign lesions from unnecessary surgery.