Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy in Small Breast: A Cost-Saving Solution

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (US-VABB) for sampling of microcalcifications indicative of cancer when stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy cannot be performed because of reasons such as thin breast tissue, insufficient thickness at compression, and microcalcification situated close to the chest wall or in breast tissue of the axillary tail.

The study population was selected from among 187 patients with microcalcifications detected on mammogram. The findings were classified using the American College of Radiology criteria as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 3, 4, or 5. 30 Thirty were not eligible for stereotactic guidance because of reasons such as small breast size, compression thickness <2 cm, or microcalcification located in the axillary tails or close to chest wall. In 23 patients microcalcifications were detected at ultrasound, and US-VABB was performed. The other 7 patients underwent surgical biopsy. In the 23 patients who underwent US-VABB, multiple core samples were taken after a specimen mammography to ensure that microcalcifications were included.

Biopsy was successful in all cases of US-VABB. The procedure was well tolerated, and there were no complications.

US-VABB should be preferred over diagnostic surgical biopsy when microcalcifications are sonographically visible and stereotactic guidance is contraindicated. The procedure appears to be reliable and accurate, with added advantages such as low cost and absence of radiation exposure.