Vacuum-assisted Biopsy Device Research Articles

Best Practice Guidelines for Breast Imaging, Breast Imaging Society, India: Part—2

AbstractBreast imaging is a prerequisite for providing high quality breast health care. Choosing the appropriate investigation is central to diagnosing breast disease in patients who present to health professionals for treatment. These patients present to doctors of different subspecialties as well as to general practitioners in our country. It is important, therefore, to provide uniform guidance to doctors in different healthcare setups of our country, urban and rural, government and private, for optimal management of breast diseases. These guidelines framed by the task group set up by the Breast Imaging Society, India, have been formulated focusing primarily on the Indian patients and health care infrastructures. They aim to provide a framework for the referring doctors and practicing radiologists to enable them to choose the appropriate investigation for patients with breast symptoms and signs. The aim has been to keep this framework simple and practical so that it can guide not only subspecialists in breast care but also help doctors who do not routinely deal with breast diseases, so that breast cancer is not missed. Overall, the aim of this document is to provide a holistic approach to standardize breast care imaging services in India. Part 2 of these guidelines focuses on the best practice principles for breast interventions and provides algorithms for the investigation of specific common breast symptoms and signs. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for image-guided breast interventions due to real-time needle visualization, easy availability, patient comfort and absence of radiation. Stereotactic mammography guided procedures are performed if the lesion is visualized on mammography but not visualized on ultrasound. 14-gauge automated core biopsy device is preferred for breast biopsies although vacuum assisted biopsy devices are useful for biopsy of certain abnormalities as well as for imaging guided excision of some pathologies. MRI guided biopsy is reserved for suspicious lesions seen only on MRI. Algorithms for investigation of patients presenting with mastalgia, breast lumps, suspicious nipple discharge, infections and inflammation of the breast have been provided. For early breast cancers routine use of investigations to detect occult distant metastasis is not advised. Metastatic work up for advanced breast cancer is required for selection of appropriate treatment options.

Preprocedural Hypertension Is Not a Risk Factor for Postoperative Bleeding following Image-Guided Core Needle Breast Biopsy.

Objective To evaluate the association between preprocedural hypertension and the risk of prolonged bleeding following image-guided core needle breast biopsy in nonpregnant/nonlactating women. Methods A single institution-based, retrospective cohort study of 400 women who underwent image-guided core needle breast biopsy was conducted. Males and pregnant and lactating women were excluded. Preprocedural systolic or diastolic blood pressure greater than 140 or 90 mm of Hg, respectively, was defined as hypertension. Prolonged bleeding was defined >15 minutes of local, manual pressure required to achieve hemostasis following the biopsy. Severe bleeding complications defined as clinical significant hematoma formation, prolonged bleeding requiring an ER visit, hospitalization, or surgical intervention were also recorded. Results The difference in the mean time for which manual pressure was held after biopsy for patients with and without preprocedural hypertension was not statistically significant (13 ± 7 vs. 13 ± 8 minutes, respectively, P = 0.856). There was no difference in the number of patients requiring manual postoperative pressure >15 minutes between those with preprocedural hypertension and the normotensive patients (13% vs. 12%, respectively, P = 0.765). Bivariate analysis demonstrated statistically significant association between prolonged bleeding and current antithrombotic or antiplatelet medication use (P = 0.010), the use of stereotactic guidance (P = 0.019), and a tethered vacuum-assisted device (P = 0.045). The use of a tethered vacuum-assisted biopsy device was the only variable associated with prolonged bleeding in the multivariate model (P = 0.044). Conclusion Preprocedural hypertension is not a risk factor for prolonged bleeding following image-guided core needle breast biopsies in nonpregnant/nonlactating women.

A Case of Breast Cancer Completely Vanished after Biopsy with Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy Device

A Case of Breast Cancer Completely Vanished after Biopsy with Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy Device

Percutaneous sentinel node removal using a vacuum-assisted needle biopsy in women with breast cancer: a feasibility and acceptability study

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of large-gauge percutaneous removal of the axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) using dual gamma probe and ultrasound guidance. Technetium nanocolloid was administered the day before surgery. On the day of surgery, potential SLNs were identified with gamma probe and ultrasound scanning. A 7 G vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) device was inserted percutaneously deep to the target node and the node(s) removed. The gamma probe was used to confirm removal of radiolabelled tissue. At surgery, any residual radiolabelled or blue nodes were removed. Morbidity was assessed via (1) a pain questionnaire immediately after the percutaneous procedure, (2) relevant items from the FACT B+4 questionnaire 7-10 days after surgery, and (3) case note review 1 month after surgery. Twenty-two patients consented and 20 patients underwent the procedure. Radiolabelled nodal tissue was obtained in 18/20 (90%). The mean procedure time was 11 minutes. Four of 18 patients had metastatic disease identified in the VAB excision tissue with 100% sensitivity for axillary metastasis. At axillary surgery, additional intact SLN or fragments were found in 14 patients. No additional metastatic disease was found at surgery. One patient suffered a pneumothorax during instillation of local anaesthetic. The median pain score was 10/100 by visual analogue scale. Immediate post-procedure haematoma was common (14 of 20) and prolonged manual compression frequent. VAB removal of sentinel nodes using dual scanning is feasible. Although preliminary sensitivity and specificity levels are encouraging, complications may discourage widespread implementation.

Management of BIRADS 3, 4A, and 4B Lesions Diagnosed as Pure Papilloma by Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy: Is Surgical Excision Necessary?

There is lack of consensus on managing papillomas due to varied upgrade rates in the literature related to variability in the studied populations. We specifically studied upgrade rates of pure papilloma diagnosed with ultrasound core biopsy (UCB) using spring-loaded (SLB) and vacuum-assisted (VAB) biopsy devices in patients with low-to-intermediate pre-test probability for malignancy on imaging. From 01/01/2008 to 06/30/2016, 227 patients with 248 pure papillomas classified as BI-RADS 3, 4a, and 4b were diagnosed by UCB and underwent surgical excision or clinical and/or imaging follow-up. Imaging features, biopsy device, and final pathology were documented. 177 lesions were biopsied with SLB (14-gauge) and 71 lesions with VAB (9-13 gauges). At surgery, upgrade rates to high-risk lesions and malignancy for SLB were 14.3% (22/154) and 1.9% (3/154), and for VAB were 3.5% (2/57) and 0% (0/57), respectively (p < 0.05). The combined surgical upgrade rate to high-risk lesions and malignancy was 11.4% (24/211) and 1.4% (3/211), respectively. The overall upgrade rate (including surgical and clinical and/or imaging follow-up) to high-risk lesions and malignancy was 9.7% (24/248) and 1.2% (3/248), respectively. No ultrasound features were predictive of upgrade. Rates of complete excision were 7.1% (11/154) for SLB and 19.3% (11/57) for VAB (p < 0.05). BI-RADS 3, 4a, or 4b masses biopsied with UCB revealed pure papilloma upgrade to malignancy in less than 2% of cases. SLB was associated with greater upgrades compared with VAB. Therefore, follow-up imaging is a reasonable alternative to excision, particular in those sampled by VAB. Excision could be considered if the diagnosis of a high-risk lesion would change clinical management.

Serial image changes in ultrasonography after the excision of benign breast lesions by mammotome® biopsy system.

Mammotome-an ultrasound guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) device, has proved beneficial to the treatment of benign breast lesions. The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of ultrasound images of residual cavity and the changes in ultrasound images at follow-up at different intervals after the excision of benign breast lesions by Mammotome® biopsy system. A series of 247 consecutive 8-gauge Mammotome® procedures were performed under ultrasound guidance and multivariate analysis was conducted. We found fibroadenoma and adenomatosis are appeared to be the most common pathological manifestations. Follow-up by ultrasonography at an interval of one month after excision of benign breast lesions by 8-gauge vacuum-assisted Mammotome® biopsy system, is not reliable due to the residual cavity formation. A follow-up schedule starting from at least 3 months after resection is highly recommended.

Analysis of Efficacy and Accuracy of 2 Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy Devices: Mammotome and Elite

BackgroundUltrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (US-VABB) has recently replaced surgical biopsy as a result of its high diagnostic accuracy and low patient discomfort, and at present it relies mainly on 2 devices, Mammotome and, more recently, Mammotome Elite (Elite). Our purpose was to compare the efficacy of these 2 bioptical devices. Patients and MethodsWe performed US-VABB on 195 patients with Mammotome 8G or 11G in 130 patients and Elite 13G in 65 patients. Of these 195 patients, 95 were submitted to surgery for lumpectomy or mastectomy in case of malignant lesions or of lesions of uncertain malignant potential (B5 and B3), while the remaining 100 were strictly monitored clinically and radiologically for 12 to 24 months. ResultsBoth the devices showed high absolute sensitivity (96.2% for Mammotome and 83.3% for Elite), complete sensitivity (98.1% for Mammotome and 90.0% for Elite), specificity (92.3% for Mammotome and 94.3% for Elite), and diagnostic accuracy (99.1% for Mammotome and 95% for Elite), thus fulfilling criteria suggested by the European guidelines. Total underestimation rate seemed to be higher in the Elite cohort (14.2%) than in the Mammotome cohort (3.4%) (P = .02). However, none of the patients with a benign diagnosis (B2) presented any event during the follow-up period. ConclusionUS-VABB is an accurate method for sampling breast lesions. Our study did not show large, statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between the Elite and Mammotome systems, except for a slight increase in diagnostic underestimation of benign pathologies when using the Elite.

Minimally Invasive Breast Fibroadenoma Excision Using an Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy Device.

Introduction We studied the extent to which an ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy device ("hand-held Mammotome") could be used not only as a valuable tool for investigation of suspicious breast lesions, but also therapeutically for the complete removal of breast fibroadenomas. Materials and Methods 132 aspiration biopsies showing fibroadenoma on histology were collected retrospectively. We ascertained whether there were residual findings on breast ultrasound at a median follow-up of approx. 9 months following biopsy. A questionnaire was used to determine the complication rate, patient satisfaction and acceptance of the procedure. Results In this study complete fibroadenomectomy was achieved at aspiration biopsy in 76 % of cases (n = 132). Compared to fibroadenomas larger than 2.51 cm3 (59 %), those smaller than 2.5 cm3 were completely removed more often (87.6 %; p < 0.05). The procedure is associated with very little pain during and after biopsy and minimal haematoma development, both factors supporting a high rate of acceptance among patients. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is safe and associated with very few complications. Its additional therapeutic potential is dependant on the size of the benign lesion as measured at initial ultrasound.

Mammotome-Assisted Liposuction: A Novel Technique for Accessory Breasts.

Due to its minimally invasive and highly precise nature, the mammotome, a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy device, has proven effective for the treatment of benign breast lesions. Taking advantage of both liposuction and the mammotome, we utilized the mammotome device for the excision of accessory breasts. Between July 2010 and June 2014, 16 patients with accessory breasts received mammotome-assisted liposuction. After adipose was removed using this procedure, the mammotome system was used to excise the fibro-glandular tissue in accessory breasts under ultrasound monitoring. All patients were satisfied with their appearance after surgery. A single 5-mm incision, which was well hidden in the axillary skin folds and allowed for restoration, provided an aesthetically pleasing contour to the axilla. Mammotome-assisted liposuction is a new approach that can be used to excise both adipose and fibro-glandular breast tissue simultaneously with a minimal incision, and provides a favorable contour to the axilla. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Initial Experience with a Wireless Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy Device.

ObjectiveTo determine the imaging characteristic of frequent target lesions of wireless ultrasound (US)-guided, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (Wi-UVAB) and to evaluate diagnostic yield, accuracy and complication of the device in indeterminate breast lesions.Materials and MethodsFrom March 2013 to October 2014, 114 women (age range, 29–76 years; mean age, 50.0 years) underwent Wi-UVAB using a 13-gauge needle (Mammotome Elite®; Devicor Medical Products, Cincinnati, OH, USA). In 103 lesions of 96 women with surgical (n = 81) or follow-up (n = 22) data, complications, biopsy procedure, imaging findings of biopsy targets and histologic results were reviewed.ResultsMean number of biopsy cores was 10 (range 4–25). Nine patients developed moderate bleeding. All lesions were suspicious on US, and included non-mass lesions (67.0%) and mass lesions (33.0%). Visible calcifications on US were evident in 57.3% of the target lesions. Most of the lesions (93.2%) were nonpalpable. Sixty-six (64.1%) were malignant [ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) rate, 61%] and 12 were high-risk lesions (11.7%). Histologic underestimation was identified in 11 of 40 (27.5%). DCIS cases and in 3 of 9 (33.3%) high-risk lesions necessitating surgery. There was no false-negative case.ConclusionWi-UVAB is very handy and advantageous for US-unapparent non-mass lesions to diagnose DCIS, especially for calcification cases. Histologic underestimation is unavoidable; still, Wi-UVAB is safe and accurate to diagnose a malignancy.

Upgrade of ductal carcinoma in situ on core biopsies to invasive disease at final surgery: a retrospective review across the Scottish Breast Screening Programme

To identify factors affecting upgrade rates from B5a (non-invasive) preoperative core biopsies to invasive disease at surgery and ways to improve screening performance. This was a retrospective analysis of 1252 cases of B5a biopsies across all six Scottish Breast Screening Programmes (BSPs), ranging between 2004 and 2012. Final surgical histopathology was correlated with radiological and biopsy factors. Data were analysed using basic Microsoft Excel and standard Chi-squared test used for evaluating statistical significance. B5a upgrade rates for the units ranged from 19.2% to 29.2%, with an average of 23.6%. Mean sizes of invasive tumours were small (3-11 mm). The upgrade rate was significantly higher for cases where the main mammographic abnormality was mass, distortion, or asymmetry, compared with micro-calcification alone (33.2% versus 21.7%, p = 0.0004). The upgrade rate was significantly lower with the use of large-volume vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) devices than 14 G core needles (19.9% versus 26%, p = 0.013); in stereotactic than ultrasound-guided biopsies (21.2% versus 36.1%, p < 0.001). Heterogeneity of data from different centres limited evaluation of other potential factors. Upgrade rates are lower for cases with micro-calcification as the sole mammographic feature with the use of VAB devices. Nevertheless, there is variation in practice across Scottish BSPs, including first-line biopsy technique and/or device; and it is of interest that a few centres maintain low upgrade rates despite not using VAB routinely for biopsy of micro-calcification.

Mammotome-assisted endoscopic breast-conserving surgery: a novel technique for early-stage breast cancer.

BackgroundBecause of its minimally invasive and highly accurate nature, the use of Mammotome, a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy device has proven beneficial to the treatment of benign breast lesions. Taking advantage of endoscopic and Mammotome techniques together, we utilized the Mammotome device for therapeutic excision of malignant lesions in breast-conserving surgery (BCS).MethodsBetween December 2009 and January 2010, two patients with early breast cancer received Mammotome-assisted endoscopic BCSs. Under ultrasound monitoring, the Mammotome system dissected the surrounding tissue and freed the tumor en bloc leaving negative margins; endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection then followed.ResultsThe operation time was less than 180 minutes and the mean blood loss was 60 ml. The post-operative pathology report confirmed two patients to have invasive ductal carcinoma, one without axillary lymph nodes metastasis (0/11) and the other with one lymph node metastasis (1/21). No adverse events were noted. During a mean follow-up of 26.5 months, no evidence of recurrence or metastasis was found. The patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results.ConclusionsMammotome-assisted endoscopic surgery appears to be a valuable option for early breast cancer. The long-term therapeutic effect remains to be confirmed.

Design by Dragging: An Interface for Creative Forward and Inverse Design with Simulation Ensembles

We present an interface for exploring large design spaces as encountered in simulation-based engineering, design of visual effects, and other tasks that require tuning parameters of computationally-intensive simulations and visually evaluating results. The goal is to enable a style of design with simulations that feels as-direct-as-possible so users can concentrate on creative design tasks. The approach integrates forward design via direct manipulation of simulation inputs (e.g., geometric properties, applied forces) in the same visual space with inverse design via 'tugging' and reshaping simulation outputs (e.g., scalar fields from finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD)). The interface includes algorithms for interpreting the intent of users' drag operations relative to parameterized models, morphing arbitrary scalar fields output from FEA and CFD simulations, and in-place interactive ensemble visualization. The inverse design strategy can be extended to use multi-touch input in combination with an as-rigid-as-possible shape manipulation to support rich visual queries. The potential of this new design approach is confirmed via two applications: medical device engineering of a vacuum-assisted biopsy device and visual effects design using a physically based flame simulation.

Benign Papillomas Diagnosed on Large-gauge Vacuum-Assisted Core Needle Biopsy which Span &lt;1.5 cm Do Not Need Surgical Excision

The objective of our study is to determine if a carefully selected subset of benign breast papillomas (size ≤1.5 cm) can be safely followed by imaging surveillance instead of immediate surgical excision. Over a 6½-year period, 86 breast lesions were diagnosed as a benign papilloma (BP) utilizing an 11- or 8-gauge vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy (VACNB) device. In general, it was our intent to remove as much of the radiologically evident lesion as possible. These 86 lesions underwent ≥2 years of imaging surveillance, without surgical excision following initial detection. With ≥2 years of radiologic follow-up, none of the 86 BPs demonstrated imaging findings that necessitated repeat biopsy or surgical excision. Benign breast papillomas ≤1.5 cm that are biopsied using an 11- or 8-gauge VACNB device with intent to remove as much of the radiologically evident lesion as possible are safe to undergo serial imaging surveillance rather than immediate surgical excision.

Usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy in Korean women: a pilot study

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is the technique of choice for lesions that are visible only with breast MRI. The purpose of this study was to report our clinical experience with MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy in Korean women.MethodsA total of 13 patients with 15 lesions for MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy were prospectively entered into this study between September 2009 and November 2011. Biopsy samples were obtained in a 3-T magnet using a 9-guage MRI-compatible vacuum-assisted biopsy device. We evaluated clinical indications for biopsy, lesion characteristics on prebiopsy MRI, pathologic results, and postbiopsy complication status.ResultsThe clinical indications for MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy were as follows: abnormalities in patients with interstitial mammoplasty on screening MRI (n = 10); preoperative evaluation of patients with a recently diagnosed cancer (n = 3); and suspicious recurrence on follow-up MRI after cancer surgery (n = 1) or chemotherapy (n = 1). All lesions have morphologic features suspicious or highly suggestive of malignancy by the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category of MRI (C4a = 12, C4b = 2, C5 = 1). In two of the 15 lesions (13.3%, <6 mm), MRI-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy was deferred due to nonvisualization of the MRI findings that led to biopsy and the lesions were stable or disappeared on follow up so were considered benign. Of 13 biopsied lesions, pathology revealed four malignancies (4/13, 30.8%; mean size 15.5 mm) and nine benign lesions (9/13, 69.2%; size 14.2 mm). Immediate postprocedural hematoma (mean size 23.5 mm) was observed in eight out of 13 patients (61.5%) and was controlled conservatively.ConclusionsOur initial experience of MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy showed a success rate of 86.7% and a cancer diagnosis rate of 30.8%, which was quite satisfactory. MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is a safe and effective tool for the workup of suspicious lesions seen on breast MRI alone without major complication. This biopsy may contribute to the early diagnosis of breast cancer in interstitial mammoplasty patients in Korea.

Epidermal Cyst of the Breast Treated by Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy

A 38-year-old woman presented for evaluation of a firm mass (measuring 20 × 20 mm) in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast. On the basis of the clinical and radiologic findings, we diagnosed a benign breast tumor and scheduled removal by a hand-held vacuum-assisted biopsy device (VABD) under ultrasonographic guidance. Because the first specimen removed from the tumor was white, flaky, and waxy material, we strongly suspected that the lesion was an epidermal cyst. We continued VABD treatment until the tumor was invisible on real-time ultrasonography. Histologic examination demonstrated that the tumor was composed of mature stratified squamous epithelium and laminated layers of keratin, findings consistent with a diagnosis of epidermal cyst. These cysts rarely occur in the breast and are sometimes difficult to distinguish from breast cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an epidermal cyst treated by VABD.

New Wireless Handheld Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) Devices: An Important Innovation in Breast Diagnosis

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) plays a fundamental role in the preoperative assessment of breast lesions pro- viding large histology samples that are useful to define diagnoses and biological parameters to guide treatment planning. This technique has been used in our institute since 2000 and two new wireless handheld ultrasound-guided VABB de- vices have been introduced since May 2012. In this report we analyze our experience with these revolutionary devices which are able to provide the option of single-insertion contiguous tissue samples respectively with a 13/14-gauge aperture. Our initial experience on 75 lesions shows that these devices are safe, fast, procedurally advantageous for operators and well accepted by patients. Finally VABB procedures can markedly reduce the need for surgical biopsy.

Sonographically Guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy for Complete Excision of Presumed Benign Breast Lesions

Benign breast disease has a high prevalence and a substantial impact on women's quality of life. Excisional biopsy is still frequently used for the diagnosis of breast masses in China. We report our experience with percutaneous removal of presumed benign lesions under sonographic guidance with a multidirectional handheld vacuum-assisted biopsy device and evaluate this procedure as an alternative approach in the diagnosis and treatment of clinically benign breast lesions. A total of 1766 sonographically guided vacuum-assisted excision procedures were performed on 738 patients with clinically benign breast lesions between February 2008 and October 2011. The mean patient age ± SD was 35.86 ± 11.2 years. The mean diameter of the lesions was 1.25 ± 0.70 cm. The mean number of cores needed to achieve removal was 11.6 ± 4.8. Fifty-nine percent of cases (436 of 738) had multiple breast lesions. There were no serious adverse events. There were only 37 cases with substantial bleeding. No cases had wound infection. Hematoma occurred in 62 cases (8%), but none needed surgical intervention. Skin damage occurred in only 5 cases (0.7%) and 14 cases (1.9%) had a vasovagal response. Most of the specimens (1755 of 1766 [99.4%]) were benign. Postoperative pain was minimal, and better cosmetic results were obtained than with conventional open biopsy. Percutaneous excisional biopsy with a sonographically guided vacuum-assisted core device is a safe and effective approach for accurate diagnosis and complete removal of presumed benign breast masses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Breast Biopsy in Lesions Not Visualized by Mammogram or Ultrasound

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis and evaluation of breast lesions is still in evolution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of MR-guided biopsy for suspicious lesions seen on MRI but not visualized by mammography or ultrasound. A retrospective review was conducted on all patients undergoing MRI-guided core needle biopsy at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Biopsies were performed using a 1.5-Tesla MR with a seven-channel breast coil taking six cores in a clock face configuration with a 10-gauge vacuum-assisted VACORA biopsy device. One hundred twenty-seven patients underwent 187 biopsies without major complication. The lesion size ranged from 4 to 12 mm. Pathology on MRI-guided core biopsy material revealed 126 (68%) benign lesions. Of these, 12 were intraductal papillomas and two were fibroadenomas. Sixty-one (32%) were deemed clinically significant and included the following pathology: invasive cancer 19 patients (10%), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 25 patients (13%), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) 15 patients (8%), and lobular carcinoma in situ in one patient (1%). There were two specimens upgraded from ADH to DCIS and one specimen that was biopsied was called ADH but there was no residual atypia on final pathology. With a median follow-up of 24 months, there were no patients with benign pathology returning with a clinically significant lesion later. MRI-guided biopsy provides an accurate and safe method for sampling suspicious lesions when no other reasonable means of biopsy is available. MRI-guided biopsy yielded clinically significant findings in approximately one-third of the sampled specimens. This technique can provide a good representative sample of clinically significant pathology. MRI-guided biopsy is a relatively new modality, which can provide a nonsurgical diagnostic specimen in the absence of mammographic or ultrasound findings.

Breast biopsy for mammographically detected nonpalpable lesions using a vacuum-assisted biopsy device (Mammotome) and upright-type stereotactic mammography unit without a digital imaging system: experience of 500 biopsies

The most common diagnostic procedure in the United States for mammographically detected nonpalpable lesions is a combination of a vacuum-assisted biopsy device and a prone-type biopsy table. We have used an upright-type stereotactic mammography unit without a digital imaging system instead of the prone table. Five-hundred ten biopsies of 506 mammographically detected nonpalpable breast lesions in 488 patients, consisting of 445 lesions with microcalcifications alone, 39 masses without calcifications, and 22 with both masses and microcalcifications, were attempted using a combination of a vacuum-assisted device (Mammotome) and an upright unit without a digital imaging system in a sitting position between May 1999 and February 2007. Breast tissue was obtained in 497 biopsies. Microcalcifications were confirmed radiographically in the tissue of 447 out of 459 biopsies from lesions with microcalcifications (97.4 %). One hundred thirty-seven were diagnosed as malignant, 10 as atypical ductal hyperplasia, 345 as benign, and 1 was not diagnosable. The underestimation rate was 28.0 %. Overall, 26 patients (5.1 %) had vasovagal reactions, while 19 (3.8 %) experienced mild subcutaneous bleeding. Two hundred fifty of 350 lesions, for which biopsy diagnoses were benign, were followed for a median period of 33 months. Four lesions turned out to be malignant. The false-negative rate was 2.8 %. The biopsy technique using the combination of the Mammotome and an upright unit without a digital imaging system is cost-effective, safe, and accurate, and should be regarded as one of the standard biopsy methods for mammographically detected nonpalpable lesions.