[Effects of stereotaxic puncture biopsy on breast diagnosis in a general hospital]

To inform about the experiences by introducing this method, concerning feasibility, indication, procedure, histologic analysis, changes in admission of patients, consequences for the diagnostic work-up of breast lesions.

In 80 patients, 84 lesions were biopsied. The patients were chosen according to the "Breast Imaging Reporting A Data System", recommended by the American College of Radiology, with slight modifications. The examinations were performed on a mammographic unit with a special equipment for stereotactic biopsy, using a biopsy gun.

Histologic assessment was possible for all the cores provided. 12 of 84 lesions (14.3%) contained carcinoma, 53/84 (63.1%) mastopathic changes, 19/84 (22.6%) other benign findings. The percentage of out-patients was constantly high with 55%, the number of gynecologic in-patients increased slightly from 24 to 27%. The number of open biopsies decreased from 9 to 6 per month with a considerable decrease (30%) of negative biopsies.

Co-operation with the admitting physicians, who are also doing mammography, should set a new course towards stereotactic core breast biopsy already before the patients are admitted to the hospital. An increasing acceptance by the gynecologists doing open biopsies could lead to a further decrease of unnecessary operations. The effect by direct histologic feedback improves the quality of mammographic diagnostic.