Mammographic localization and biopsy: the experience of a gynecologic oncology group

From 1976 through 1986, two hundred eighty or 9% of all breast biopsies performed by a private gynecologic oncology group were for mammographically suspicious but occult breast lesions. Sixteen percent were found to be malignant. There has been improvement in mammographic techniques, and localization procedures have evolved to the current use of hooked-wire needles, which allow for the excision of smaller amounts of tissue and use of outpatient surgery facilities. Recently, the cancers encountered have been more often carcinoma in situ rather than invasive lesions. With the current increase in mammographic screening, there needs to be a continuing evolution in diagnostic modalities.