Cancellation of preoperative breast localization procedures: analysis of 53 cases

Among 603 patients scheduled for a breast biopsy at the authors' institution in 1987, the biopsy was canceled on the day of the procedure in 53 (8.8%). All had been referred from other facilities. An analysis of the original mammograms and the additional imaging procedures performed is presented. The reasons for termination of the planned biopsies include (a) no mass present (n = 22), (b) aspiration of a mass (n = 13), (c) skin calcifications (n = 9), (d) random calcifications (n = 4), (e) skin artifacts (n = 3), and (f) other (n = 2). Practicing radiologists should adapt rigid criteria for biopsy recommendation and propose radiographic follow-up for low-suspicion abnormalities detected.