Analysis of mammographically obvious carcinomas of the breast with benign results upon initial biopsy

Although benign lesions of the breast may, on occasion, be indistinguishable from carcinoma on mammography, the presence of a typical malignant tumor justifies a strong roentgenographic impression which shoud be nearly 100 per cent accurate. During the past three years, 435 carcinomas of the breast were evaluated by xeromammography prior to surgial excision, 370 of which presented as palpable lesions. In six patients, the initial biopsy of a palpable area yielded benign results, despite a roentgenographic report indicating the presence of a carcinoma. Repeat mammography after biopsy documented the persistence of the suspicious area, all of which were carcinoma upon re-excision. Roentgenographic reappraisal is imperative in circumstances in which the biopsy results do not corroborate the roentgenographic findings. Preoperative needle localization is a useful adjunctive measure to ensure that a palpable area corresponds to a mass visible on the mammogram.