Stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy under lateral decubitus position

Stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VAB) has been established as a standard method for histological diagnosis of microcalcification or nonpalpable breast lesions on mammography. Generally, the procedure has been done under the prone position or upright sitting position. We herein attempt to evaluate clinical utility of Stereotactic VAB under lateral decubitus position.

One hundred six women (mean age, 51.2 years) with mammographically detected microcalcification underwent lateral decubitus positioning VAB using the 8G probe. In all cases, we obtained mammography specimens for identification of microcalcification and postprocedure mammography. We reviewed mean procedure time, pieces of specimen, pathology and follow-up mammography.

The procedure took approximately 20 minutes (range, 15-24 minutes). Average number of obtained specimens was 8.5 pieces (range, 6-12 pieces). Microcalcifications were confirmed in both specimen mammography and microscopic slides. Of 106 cases, 10 cases were diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ. Additional surgical management was performed. Atypical ductal hyperplasias were found in 8 cases, and fibrocystic changes in 88 cases.

Stereotactic VAB using the 8G probe under lateral decubitus position does not need a dedicated table, and is easier to maintain the position. Also, this procedure is accurate and safe. Thus, stereotactic VAB using the 8G probe under lateral decubitus position will be a useful method for diagnosis of microcalcification or nonpalpable breast lesions on mammography.