Ultrasound-guided fan biopsy of the breast: clinical utility and outcomes from a single-center experience

US-guided non-focused "fan" biopsy of the breast allows for wider sampling directed to a more regional, less focal abnormality seen on US, MRI, mammogram or to an area of clinical concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience of using this technique which has received little formal literature attention.

A retrospective service evaluation was conducted of all US-guided fan biopsies of the breast at a single center between January 2015 and December 2021 with review of indications for use, histological outcomes, subsequent patient management and whether it optimized the patient pathway by enabling timely histological diagnosis, avoiding delays associated with scheduling x-ray or MRI-guided biopsies, and facilitating treatment decisions.

90 ultrasound-guided fan biopsies were performed in 89 patients, median age 52.6 years (range 29-90 years) over 7 years. In 49% of cases, the indication was non-mass enhancement seen on MRI. Biopsies yielded malignancy in 31% of cases and this technique was found to be helpful in obtaining histology in 93% (84/90) cases with false negative/inconclusive results in 6.6%.(6/90 cases).

Our results suggest the relatively simple procedure of US-guided breast fan biopsy is a cost effective, versatile technique with potential to add value in the patient's pathway.

US-guided fan biopsy is a pragmatic method to biopsy breast lesions that are not amenable to conventional targeted biopsy, or require more invasive and expensive techniques, and thus can help avoid delays in the patient diagnostic pathway and facilitate treatment decisions.