[Locating and treating nonpalpable breast tumors].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Non-palpable breast tumors require accurate diagnostic and surgical approaches.
• Radiological imaging, particularly microcalcifications, plays a crucial role in identifying suspicious lesions.
• Early detection and treatment of breast cancer are vital for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and patient acceptance of surgical excision for radiologically diagnosed non-palpable breast tumors.
• To determine the malignancy rate in this patient cohort.
• To assess the diagnostic significance of clustered microcalcifications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 40 female patients between 1980-1984.
• Surgical excision of radiologically diagnosed non-palpable breast tumors.
• Histopathological examination of excised specimens.

Main Results:

• 42.9% (18 patients) of lesions were malignant.
• Invasive carcinoma was found in 12 patients, and carcinoma in situ in 6.
• "Clustered" microcalcifications were highly suggestive of malignancy.

Conclusions:

• Surgical excision is a simple, reliable, and well-tolerated procedure for non-palpable breast tumors.
• Radiological detection of microcalcifications is a strong indicator of malignancy.
• Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing these lesions.