Biopsy Of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions Research Articles

Evaluation of Wire Localization in Management of Non-Palpable Breast Cancer

Abstract Background Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is considered the goldstandard treatment for early breast cancer. Various techniques have been proposed for identifying non-palpable breast tumors, but the most popular method is the wireguided localization (WGL technique). The most important drawback of BCS is the possible presence of microscopic tumor at or close to the margin of excision. Objective To highlighting the significance of screening programs, early detection and recent advances in the management of early non palpable breast cancer. Methods This is a prospective study on 30 patients with a single nonpalpable breast lesion. A preoperative USG or MMG-guided hook wire localization technique was performed then intraoperative frozen section was done. Results Of the prospective study, 30 patients were treated with wire-guided localization and BCS. And intraoperative frozen sections. According to positive margins, patient age, menopausal status, tumor size and histologic type were associated with increased risk of positive margins. The reexcision at the time of original operation was (6/30) (20%) and need for second operation in (1/30) (3.3%) of cases. According to postoperative complication increased by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, size of mass, specimen volume, margin status and LNs affection. Conclusion In early diagnosis of breast cancer, the validity of the imagingguided hook wire localization biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions has been proved. The cooperation of surgeon, radiologist and pathologist increases the successful results of hook wire localization technique.

Combined use of magnetic seed and tracer in breast conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions: A pilot study describing pitfalls and solutions

BackgroundsTraditionally, breast conserving surgery for non-palpable breast cancer is guided by wire or radioactive seed and radioactive tracer for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Alternatively, a stain-less magnetic seed and superparamagnetic iron oxide tracer (SPIO) can be combined as a radioactive-free technique. The aim of this study was to define the pitfalls we encountered during implementation of this combined technique and provide solutions resulting in an instruction manual for a radio-active free procedure. MethodsBetween January and March 2021, seventeen consecutive patients with cN0 non-palpable breast cancer were included. The magnetic seed was placed to localize the lesion and SPIO was used to identify the sentinel lymph node (SLN). A lymphoscintigraphy with Technetium-99m nano colloid was performed concomitantly in all patients as a control procedure for SPIO. Surgical outcomes are reported, including problems with placing and retrieval of the seed and SPIO and corresponding solutions. ResultsSurgical excision was successful with invasive tumor-free margins in all patients. SLN detection was successful in 82% patients when compared to Technetium-99m. The most challenging issue was an overlapping magnetic signal of the seed and SPIO. Solutions are provided in detail. ConclusionsCombined use of magnetic seed and SPIO for wide local excision and SLNB patients with non-palpable breast lesions appeared challenging due to overlapping magnetic signals. After multiple adaptations, the protocol proved to be feasible with an added advantage of eliminating the use of radioisotopes. We described the pitfalls and solutions resulting in an instruction manual for a totally radioactive-free procedure.

A feasibility study combining a magnetic seed and magnetic tracer in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery combined with sentinel lymph node biopsy for nonpalpable breast lesions

Background: Nonpalpable breast lesions (NPBL) are generally localized using wire-guided localisation or a radioiodine seed for breast-conserving surgery (BCS). In addition, a radioisotope tracer is used for the sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. These techniques offer both logistic challenges as well as hazards associated with radioisotopes. Alternatives without using radioactive material have been described: For tumour localisation, a magnetic seed has shown promising results. For the SLN, a magnetic tracer has shown great potential.

Stereotactic vs open biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions. Their impact on short term quality of life

ABSTRACT Stereotactic biopsy and open biopsy represent useful diagnostic tools of breast lesions. However, both affect the Quality of Life (QoL) in various degrees. We conducted this prospective longitudinal comparative study in order, first to access the impact of these techniques on short-term QoL and second to compare and critically discuss our results with those of literature review. Group A (58 patients) underwent vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy and Group B (46 patients) underwent open biopsy. The Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQol) was estimated using the European Quality of Life scale (EuroQol) and the SF-36 (The 36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey) questionnaires. The stereotactic breast biopsy seems to be more accepted from the patients as it affects quality of life to a lesser extent than open breast biopsy. This difference is mainly attributable to a reduction of physical discomfort and pain.

Cost-effectiveness of stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy for nonpalpable breast lesions

PurposeTo examine the potential cost-savings of stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy (SVAB) over open surgical biopsy (OSB) in diagnosis of nonpalpable lesions on mammography and to estimate the cost-saving effect on lesions at different levels of malignant probability. MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. We retrospectively reviewed 276 (33.8 %) SVAB and 541 (66.2 %) OSB medical records at a medical center. Direct costs included patients’ self-paid and national health insurance claim charges. Indirect costs were calculated using sick days, average salary, and age-adjusted employment rate. One-way and two-way sensitivity analyses were conducted. Lesion classification was determined by the assessment categories of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), 4th or 5th editions. ResultsSVAB decreased the direct cost by $90.3 (10.1 %) per diagnosis. The indirect cost was decreased by $560.2 (96.0 %). Overall, SVAB saved 43.9 % of resource utilization for each biopsy. Taking the cost of the subsequent malignant surgery into account, from the healthcare providers’ perspective, SVAB was cost-effective if a lesion had less than 19 % likelihood of malignancy. From the societal perspective, SVAB reduced productivity loss for all the lesions. Based on the positive predictive value of the BI-RADS categories, SVAB was more suitable for the lesions of category 4A and category 3, resulting in greater savings in both medical and societal resources. ConclusionsSVAB is a cost-effective diagnostic option for nonpalpable breast lesions. The cost-saving effect is greater for the lesions of category 4A and category 3.

On the diagnostic accuracy of stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy of nonpalpable breast abnormalities. Results in a consecutive series of 769 procedures performed at the Trento Department of Breast Diagnosis.

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions. 769 consecutive vacuum-assisted biopsy procedures were retrospectively reviewed. Positive predictive value for carcinoma (B5) at vacuum-assisted biopsy was assessed on the overall series and by age, lesion morphology and size, degree of suspicion and calendar period. The accuracy of vacuum-assisted biopsy was based on surgical histology or follow-up (no change at 12 months was assumed as negative). Lesions were depicted as isolated microcalcifications, opacity + microcalcifications, or opacity in 716 (93.1%), 28 (3.6%), or 25 (3.2%) cases, respectively. Vacuum-assisted biopsy was negative (B1 = 63; B2 = 319) in 382 (49.7%), borderline (B3) in 142 (18.5%), suspicious (B4) in 2 (0.3%), and positive (B5) in 243 (31.6%) cases (in situ = 185, 24.1%), invasive = 58 (7.5%)), respectively. Age (χ²df3 = 19.50; P <0.002), size (χ²df4 = 51.02; P = 10⁻⁶) and degree of suspicion (χ²df2 = 146.68; P = 10⁻⁶) were associated with a B5 outcome, no significant association was evident for morphology (χ²df2 = 0,47; P <0.78), whereas calendar period had a moderate but significant inverse association (χ²df2 = 6.12; P <0.04). The positive predictive value for surgically confirmed carcinoma (in situ or invasive) was 0% for B1, 0.7% for B2, 12.3% for B3, 100% for B4, 92.7% for in situ B5, and 94.6% for invasive B5. Conversion from in situ B5 to invasive was 12.3% and was insignificantly associated with size (χ²df2 = 0.95; P = 0.62) and histology grade (χ²df2 = 3.64; P = 0.16). Down-grading of vacuum-assisted biopsy lesions to a less severe histology occurred in 13 (7.2%) in situ and in 16 (28.6%) invasive carcinomas. B3 cases upgrading to more severe lesions was 0%, 4.5% or 16.0% in the presence of no, mild, or severe atypia. The study confirmed a good performance of vacuum-assisted biopsy, possibly influenced by the local scenario (e.g., radiologist's and pathologist's interobserver variability and sampling modality). Conflicting results with the literature may have local explanations rather than being due to inadequate performance.

Application of Localization and Needle Placement Guided by Mammographic, Ultrasound and Fiberoptic Ductoscopy for Resection of Non-palpable Breast Lesions.

To evaluate the usefulness of localization needles under mammographic, ultrasound or fiberoptic ductoscopy guidance for non-palpable breast lesions. Eighty-three patients undergoing needle localization and biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions under mammographic, ultrasound or fiberoptic ductoscopy guidance from June 2013 to December 2014 in Beijing Friendship Hospital were included in the study. The preoperative imaging assessment, application of localization needles, surgical operation and pathological examination were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. A total of 83 localization and biopsies were carried out, of which 27 were performed under mammographic guidance, 32 under ultrasound guidance and 24 under fiberoptic ductoscopy guidance. Twenty-seven cases of breast microcalcifications were localized under mammographic guidance and surgically removed, of which eight cases were pathologically diagnosed as malignant. Thirty-two cases of non-palpable breast lesions were localized under ultrasound guidance and 30 pathologically diagnosed, of these, four cases were pathologically diagnosed as malignant. Twenty-four cases of intraductal space-occupying lesions were localized under ductoscopy guidance and surgically removed, of which five cases were pathologically diagnosed as malignant. Utilization of localization needles under mammographic, ultrasound or fiberoptic ductoscopy guidance for non-palpable breast lesions is a safe and effective procedure, and is helpful in the diagnosis of breast cancer. With the help of this procedure, more malignant lesions can be localized and surgically removed.

Diagnostic Value of Hook Wire Localization Technique for Non-Palpable Breast Lesions.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the validity of hook wire localization biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions which were detected by ultrasonography (USG) or mammography (MMG).MethodsIn this retrospective study, USG or MMG-guided hook wire localization technique was performed on 83 patients who had non-palpable breast lesions. Then histopathological examination was performed on surgically removed specimens. All patients’ mammograms or ultrasonograms were categorized using Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification.ResultsRadiologically, 27 (32.53%) patients were classified as BI-RADS 3, 49 (59.04%) BI-RADS 4, one (1.2%) BIRADS 5 and six (7.23%) BI-RADS 0. Histopathological results were benign in 68 (81.9%) and malignant in 15 (18.1%) patients. Twenty-seven patients were classified as BI-RADS 3 and definitive diagnoses for all were benign. Besides, 49 patients were classified as BI-RADS 4 and histopathologically 14 of them were reported as malignant, and 35 as benign. Sensitivity of MMG was 93% and specificity was 55%. For USG, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 73%.ConclusionIn early diagnosis of breast cancer, the validity of the imaging-guided hook wire localization biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions has been proved. The cooperation of surgeon, radiologist and pathologist increases the successfull results of hook wire localization technique.

Wire-guided Localization Biopsy to Determine Surgical Margin Status in Patients with Non-palpable Suspicious Breast Lesions

Guide-wire localization (GWL) has been a standard technique for many years. Excision of non- palpable malignant breast lesions with clear surgical margins reduces the risk of undergoing re-excision. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of GWL biopsy for assessing surgical margins. This retrospective study concerned 53 patients who underwent GWL biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions and breast carcinoma diagnosed by histological examination. Age of the patients, tumour size, radiographic findings, breast density specifications, specimen volumes, menopausal status and family history of the patients and surgical margin status were recorded. Median age was 53.3 years, median tumour size was 1.5 cm and median specimen volume was 71.5 cm3. In fifteen patients (28%) DCIS and in 38 patients (72%) invasive ductal carcinoma was diagnosed. There was positive surgical margins in twenty eight (52.8%) patients. The median distance to the nearest surgical margin was 7.2 mm in clear surgical margins. Younger age and denser breast specifications were found as statistically significant factors for surgical margin status. Median age of the patients who had positive margins was 49.4 years where it was 56.9 years in the patients with negative margins (p=0.04). 79% of the patients with positive margins had type 3-4 pattern breast density according to BIRADS classification as compared to 48% in the patients who had negative margins (p=0.03). Some 38 patients who had positive or close surgical margins received re-excision (72%). Positive margin rates may be higher because of inherent biological differences and diffuse growth patterns in younger patients. There are also technical difficulties that are relevant to denser fibroglandular tissue in placing hooked wire. High re-excision rates must be taken into consideration while performing GWL biopsy in non-palpable breast lesions.

Image-guided biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions: Experience of a university hospital in Mexico City.

e11098 Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Mexico. It is mostly diagnosed at advanced stages. Objective: To describe the experience of image-guided biopsies of non-palpable breast tumors in a University Hospital in Mexico City. Methods: Medical records from the Radiology and Oncology Department (January 2007 - April 2011) were reviewed. Patients with incomplete medical records as well as those lacking imaging control and pathology report were excluded. Results: A total of 123 medical records were obtained,12 were excluded. The median age was 50 years (rank 21-88). Most patients were asymptomatic. Medical indications leading to biopsy: see table below. Of the studied population, 56% had a family history of any type of cancer; 40% had a family history of breast cancer. Nine patients had a past medical history positive for breast cancer, 8 patients had a past medical history of any type of cancer. 26 patients were nulligravid and 60 post-menopausal; of which 27 had received hormone replacement therapy. 24 patients had positive contraceptive use. Most patients were catalogued as BIRADs 4A. From all the imaged-marked lesions, only 18 were malignant; 72% of which were carcinoma in situ. Most procedures were ambulatory; only 15 patients had to be admitted. The complications rate was very low (6%), 1 procedure-related infection, 3 seromas and 3 hematomas. Conclusions: Imaging-guided biopsies are a safe, with very low morbidity, accessible procedure. It helps to prompt effective treatment; especially in patients with non-palpable lesions who would otherwise not be diagnosed until advanced stages. [Table: see text]

The Role of Fine-Wire Localization Breast Biopsy in the Management of BI-RADS Category 4-5 for Non-Palpable Breast Lesions: An Experience at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to determine a positive predictive value for malignancy in patients initially categorized as having Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories 4 and 5 with non-palpable breast lesions that underwent fine wire-localized biopsy. 116 patients underwent this process at the Surgery Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia: from December 2007 through November 2009. By histopathology, out of 116 patients, 76 (65.52%) were benign and 44 (37.93%) malignant lesions. According to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories: 89 (76.72%) were category 4 and 27 (23.28%) were category 5. In category 4, 70.80% (n=64) of cases were benign and 28.10% (n=25) were malignant given positive predictive value 28.09%. In category 5, 29.60% (n=8) of cases were benign and 70.10% (n=19) were malignant given positive predictive value 70.73% after fine wire-localized biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions. In conclusion, combination of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories and fine wire-localized biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions is safe, but the positive predictable value of malignancy of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System was low especially in category 4. Preoperative histological confirmation is very important for suspicious non-palpable breast lesions to avoid unnecessary open breast biopsy.

On the Diagnostic Accuracy of Stereotactic Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy of Nonpalpable Breast Abnormalities. Results in a Consecutive Series of 769 Procedures Performed at the Trento Department of Breast Diagnosis

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions. 769 consecutive vacuum-assisted biopsy procedures were retrospectively reviewed. Positive predictive value for carcinoma (B5) at vacuum-assisted biopsy was assessed on the overall series and by age, lesion morphology and size, degree of suspicion and calendar period. The accuracy of vacuum-assisted biopsy was based on surgical histology or follow-up (no change at 12 months was assumed as negative). Lesions were depicted as isolated microcalcifications, opacity + microcalcifications, or opacity in 716 (93.1%), 28 (3.6%), or 25 (3.2%) cases, respectively. Vacuum-assisted biopsy was negative (B1 = 63; B2 = 319) in 382 (49.7%), borderline (B3) in 142 (18.5%), suspicious (B4) in 2 (0.3%), and positive (B5) in 243 (31.6%) cases (in situ = 185, 24.1%), invasive = 58 (7.5%)), respectively. Age (χ²df3 = 19.50; P <0.002), size (χ²df4 = 51.02; P = 10⁻⁶) and degree of suspicion (χ²df2 = 146.68; P = 10⁻⁶) were associated with a B5 outcome, no significant association was evident for morphology (χ²df2 = 0,47; P <0.78), whereas calendar period had a moderate but significant inverse association (χ²df2 = 6.12; P <0.04). The positive predictive value for surgically confirmed carcinoma (in situ or invasive) was 0% for B1, 0.7% for B2, 12.3% for B3, 100% for B4, 92.7% for in situ B5, and 94.6% for invasive B5. Conversion from in situ B5 to invasive was 12.3% and was insignificantly associated with size (χ²df2 = 0.95; P = 0.62) and histology grade (χ²df2 = 3.64; P = 0.16). Down-grading of vacuum-assisted biopsy lesions to a less severe histology occurred in 13 (7.2%) in situ and in 16 (28.6%) invasive carcinomas. B3 cases upgrading to more severe lesions was 0%, 4.5% or 16.0% in the presence of no, mild, or severe atypia. The study confirmed a good performance of vacuum-assisted biopsy, possibly influenced by the local scenario (e.g., radiologist's and pathologist's interobserver variability and sampling modality). Conflicting results with the literature may have local explanations rather than being due to inadequate performance.

Radioguided occult lesion localization versus wire-guided localization for non-palpable breast lesions: randomized controlled trial

AIM:This prospective randomized clinical study was conducted to compare radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) with wire-guided localization to evaluate optimum localization techniques for non-palpable breast lesions.METHODS:A total of 108 patients who were undergoing an excisional biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions requiring pathologic diagnosis were randomly assigned to the ROLL group (n = 56) and wire-guided localization group (n = 52). In the study, patients' characteristics, radiological abnormalities, radiological technique of localization, localization time, operation time, weight of the excised specimen, clearance margins, pathological diagnosis and perioperative complications were assessed.RESULTS:There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, radiological abnormalities and localization technique (p = non-significant for all). ROLL techniques resulted in 100% retrieval of the lesions; for the wire-guided localization technique, 98%. Both localization time and operation time were significantly reduced with the ROLL technique (p = significant for all). The weight of the specimen was significantly lower in the ROLL group than in the wire-guided localization group (p = significant). The overall complication rate and pathological diagnosis were similar for both groups (p = non-significant for all). Clear margins were achieved in 91% of ROLL patients and in 53% of wire-guided localization patients, and the difference was significant.CONCLUSIONS:The present study indicated that the ROLL technique is as effective as wire-guided localization for the excision of non-palpable breast lesions. In addition, ROLL improved the outcomes by reducing localization and operation time, preventing healthy tissue excision and achieving clearer margins.

Impact of lesion size on the detection rate of non-palpable breast malignant lesions

To evaluate the impact of lesion size on the detection rate of non-palpable breast malignant lesions and determine whether lesion size should prompt biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions. The study included 816 ultrasonographically detected non-palpable breast lesions. We divided the lesions into five groups based on their largest diameters: ≤0.5cm, 0.6-1.0cm, 1.1-1.5cm, 1.6-2.0 cm, and >2.0 cm. The detection rate of malignancies of different sizes were compared among these lesions, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 2-3 lesions, and BI-RADS grades 4-5 lesions. The feasibility of using lesion size as biopsy indicator for BI-RADS category 2-3 non-palpable breast lesion was analyzed using ROC curve. Of these 816 lesions, 100 (12.3%) were found to be malignant lesions. The detection rate of malignancy significantly increased along with the increase of lesion size (P<0.05). When the BI-RADS category was not considered, the frequency of malignancy in the >2.0 cm group was significantly higher than in other groups (P<0.05) The frequencies of malignancy in the 0.6-1.0 cm group, 1.1-1.5 cm group, and 1.6-2.0 cm group were higher than that in ≤0.5 cm group, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05) For BI RADS category 4 and 5 lesions, the frequency of malignancy in >2.0 cm group was higher than in other groups, but significant difference was only seen between >2.0 cm group and ≤0.5 cm group (P<0.05). Lesion size may influence the detection rate of malignancy of non palpable breast lesions, and can be used as biopsy indicator of non palpable breast lesions in BI-RADS 2,3 category When we use 1.25cm as threshold,the sensitivity and specificity may be satisfying.

Underestimation of malignancy of core needle biopsy for nonpalpable breast lesions

To determine the rate of underestimation of an image-guided core biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions, with validation by histologic examination after surgical excision. We retrospectively reviewed 352 biopsies from patients who were submitted to surgery from February 2000 to December 2005, and whose histopathologic findings were recorded in the database system. Results were compared to surgical findings and underestimation rate was determined by dividing the number of lesions that proved to be carcinomas at surgical excision by the total number of lesions evaluated with excisional biopsy. Clinical, imaging, core biopsy and pathologic features were analyzed to identify factors that affect the rate of underestimation. The degree of agreement between the results was obtained by the percentage of agreement and Cohen's kappa coefficient. The association of variables with the underestimation of the diagnosis was determined by the chi-square, Fisher exact, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. The risk of underestimation was measured by the relative risk (RR) together with the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Inconclusive core biopsy findings occurred in 15.6% of cases. The histopathological result was benign in 26.4%, a high-risk lesion in 12.8% and malignant in 45.2%. There was agreement between core biopsy and surgery in 82.1% of cases (kappa=0.75). The false-negative rate was 5.4% and the lesion was completely removed in 3.4% of cases. The underestimation rate was 9.1% and was associated with BI-RADS® category 5 (p=0,01), microcalcifications (p The core breast biopsy under image guidance is a reliable procedure but the recommendation of surgical excision of high-risk lesions detected in the core biopsy remains since it was not possible to assess clinical, imaging, core biopsy and pathologic features that could predict underestimation and avoid excision. Representative samples are much more important than number of fragments.

Pain experienced by patients during minimal-invasive ultrasound-guided breast biopsy: Vacuum-assisted vs core-needle procedure

Aims To evaluate comparatively the pain associated with ultrasound-guided core-needle (CN) and vacuum-assisted (VA) biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions. Methods 723 women undergoing ultrasound-guided breast biopsy for BIRADS IV and V lesions according to the same standardised protocol were prospectively studied. 14-gauge CN biopsy with an automated gun was performed in 321 patients. In 402 women biopsy was made using 11-gauge VA hand-held probe. Immediately after the procedure patients were interviewed about the pain experienced during the biopsy and were asked to indicate at the pain intensity on a eleven-point scale: from 0 (none) to 10 (extreme, worst possible pain). Results The median rate of pain experienced by women during biopsy was 4 (range 2–7). There were no significant differences between CN and VA groups with regard to age, body mass index, menopausal status, history of parity, hormone replacement therapy, menopausal status, breast parenchymal pattern (according to Wolfe’s classification), family history of breast cancer, lesion size and number of samples. CN biopsy with an automated gun was significantly more painful ( P < 0.01) than procedure with VA hand-held device as evaluated by patients: median 6 (4–7) vs 3 (2–5), respectively. Conclusions Despite using the larger needle VA procedure results in less pain experienced by women in comparison to CN biopsy with automated gun. Reduced patient discomfort should be one of the reasons for the preferential use of VA biopsy in the assessment of non-palpable breast masses.

Radiocolloid in Combination with Methylene Dye Localization, Rather Than Wire Localization, is a Preferred Procedure for Excisional Biopsy of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions

Wire localization (WL) is traditionally performed before excisional biopsy for patients with nonpalpable breast lesions, but it has several disadvantages. Our current study examines whether the method of radiocolloid combined with methylene dye localization (RCML) has an advantage over WL. From August 2006 to May 2009, 157 patients with nonpalpable breast lesions classified as BI-RADS category 5 were enrolled in our study. Of the 157 patients, 78 were assigned to WL and 79 to RCML. The status of surgical margins, weight of specimens, length of incisions, and duration of operation were compared between these two groups. All patients were diagnosed after first excisional biopsy. The patients with malignancy accounted for 55.1% in WL group, and 53.2% in RCML group. For malignant lesions, fewer patients undergoing RCML had close or involved surgical margins than did those who had WL (19.0% vs. 39.5%, P = .038). The mean weight of specimen was 45.2 g in WL group and 39.0 g in RCML group (P < .001). The mean length of incision was 44.8 mm in WL group and 36.3 mm in RCML group (P < .001). The mean time of operation was 16.3 min for WL and 14.7 min for RCML (P = .001). RCML provides precise identification of the site of the nonpalpable lesion and a visible marker to the lesion for surgeons and allows rapid, easy, and accurate excision of nonpalpable breast lesions. Therefore, RCML is a promising alternative to WL.

Diagnostic performance of stereotactic large core needle biopsy for nonpalpable breast lesions in routine clinical practice

The COBRA (COre Biopsy after RAdiological localization) study showed that in a controlled study setting, stereotactic large core needle biopsy (LCNB) is as reliable for diagnosing nonpalpable breast lesions as open surgical biopsy. In the present study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of stereotactic LCNB in routine clinical practice. Between February 2000 and June 2002, data on all patients (n = 955) with nonpalpable breast lesions referred for LCNB were collected. High risk underestimate rate, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) underestimate rate and sensitivity rate after 2 years were calculated. The usefulness of the COBRA guidelines in clinical practice was determined. Nine hundred five successful biopsies were performed in 874 patients. Of the high-risk lesions, 27% were found to be carcinomas on open biopsy, which is comparable to the results of the COBRA study (23%). The DCIS underestimate rate (28%) was higher than found in the COBRA study (17%). No carcinomas were missed after a follow-up period of 2 years. Ninety-six percent of patients were treated according to the COBRA guidelines. The diagnostic performance of stereotactic LCNB in patients with nonpalpable breast lesions seems to be comparable in a controlled study setting and routine clinical practice.

Correlação radiológica e histológica de lesões mamárias não-palpáveis em pacientes submetidas a marcação pré-cirúrgica, utilizando-se o sistema BI-RADS

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as categorias 3, 4 e 5 da classificação BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) como fator preditivo para malignidade, correlacionando os achados mamográficos e histológicos em lesões não-palpáveis da mama. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo analítico descritivo de 169 mulheres submetidas a biópsia cirúrgica, após localização estereotáxica de lesões mamárias não-palpáveis. As mamografias dessas pacientes foram classificadas de acordo com a quarta edição do BI-RADS, avaliando-se as categorias 3, 4 (A, B e C) e 5. Correlacionaram-se os achados mamográficos com os exames histológicos das lesões, avaliando-se o valor preditivo positivo em cada categoria. RESULTADOS: No total de 169 casos, foram diagnosticados 42 casos de câncer (24,8%). Destes, houve apenas um caso na categoria 3, 19 casos na categoria 4 e 22 casos na categoria 5. Os valores preditivos positivos para as categorias 3, 4A, 4B, 4C e 5 foram, respectivamente, de 3,4%, 10,3%, 11,3%, 36% e 91,7%. As microcalcificações foram o achado mais freqüente relacionado à doença maligna, ocorrendo em 61,5% do total. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou que a classificação BI-RADS permite predizer com segurança que há alta suspeição de malignidade para achados classificados na categoria 5 e diminuta chance para os achados da categoria 3. Quanto à categoria 4, foi constatada elevação progressiva dos valores preditivos positivos nas subcategorias A, B e C, mostrando que esta subdivisão contribui de forma mais detalhada e precisa na indicação de lesões suspeitas para malignidade.

Stereotactic biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions: evaluation and choice of minimal invasive and excisional biopsy

To evaluate three biopsy methods which are currently used in stereotactic breast biopsy. A total of 361 cases of stereotactic breast biopsies were carried out since 2000, including 73 cases of true cut core needle biopsies (ST-CNB), 74 cases of vacuum assisted biopsies (ST-VAB) and 214 cases of excisional biopsies. After medium follow-up time of 18 months (6 to 66 months), the accuracy as well as the clinical benefits of the three stereotactic biopsy procedures were analyzed retrospectively. The cancer miss rate of stereotactic wire localized excisional biopsy, ST-CNB and ST-VAB is 0, 2.7% and 0 respectively. Under-estimate rate of minimal invasive biopsy was 33% in atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and 53% in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The minimal invasive procedure is superior to surgical procedure in terms of operation time, breast cosmetic outcome and complications, etc. Furthermore, 69% of the surgeries for suspicious lesion were waived. Stereotactic minimal invasive breast biopsy, especially ST-VAB, is an accurate, safty and convenient diagnosis technique and could be considered as the first line choice for mammographic moderate suspicious breast lesions (BIRADS-4). However, further excisional biopsy is recommended for atypical hyperplasia. Stereotactic excisional biopsy could be directly used for diagnosis of mammographic highly suspicious breast lesions (BIRADS-5).