Needle-localized biopsy of occult breast lesions: an update

We have performed 207 needle-localized breast biopsies for nonpalpable, mammographically suspicious lesions over the past 6 years. A mass lesion and grouped microcalcifications were associated with malignancy, while a mass with microcalcifications was never associated with malignancy. Biopsy revealed malignancy in 26 cases (12.6%), with 19 of 22 (86.4%) having no histologic evidence of axillary spread. Advanced age and a past history of a breast cancer were again the risk factors present in a significant number of the patients with a positive biopsy result. There were 11 complications (5.3%): three hematomas (1.4%), one infection (0.5%), and seven (3.4%) required a repeat biopsy to remove the suspicious lesion missed on the original biopsy. We conclude that needle-localized breast biopsy continues to be a reliable method of detecting early breast carcinoma. Given the minimal morbidity, this procedure should be done in all patients with mammographically suspicious nonpalpable breast lesions.