Automatic needle biopsy in the diagnosis of early breast cancer

An automatic needle biopsy system, Bioptycut, has been evaluated for use in the outpatient biopsy of 107 patients with suspected operable breast cancer. Of the 107 patients, 96 proved to have malignancy. The sensitivity of the test was 65%, and the specificity 100%. Using a fine gauge needle the sensitivity was originally less than that of Trucut biopsy, but improved results were obtained with more experience.