Mammographic detection of breast cancer and preoperative needle localization

Since its early clinical use during the 1960s, mammography has become a widely accepted screening method for breast cancer. Its utilization may be capable of diminishing mortality by 40%. Screening programs have been instituted, and their cost effectiveness depends on the locale and age of the population screened. Mass screening has resulted in large numbers of nonpalpable lesions being biopsied. Needle localization techniques allow for these to be performed with a minimal chance of missing the lesion, while removing only a small volume of breast tissue. Although most lesions biopsied will be benign, 20-30% of those excised at any institution should be malignant. Consultation with experienced mammographers may be desirable when recommending mammography-based biopsy. The rate of detection of malignancy is higher in women who have a prior history of ipsilateral or contralateral breast cancer.