Comprehensive breast diagnosis

Applying a comprehensive diagnostic approach to breast pathology (clinical information, physical exam, state of the art mammography complemented by ultrasonography) 36,396 patients were evaluated. 462 malignancies (40%) were found. 81.2% of carcinomas were clinically occult. 45.2% of the non-palpable lesions were 1 cm or smaller. The yield of carcinomas was 1 every 2.7 biopsies. The preoperative diagnosis of presumptive extensive intraductal component was 85% correct. This information helps to define the excisional limits and upon pathological confirmation select the appropriate surgical therapy: lympectomy vs. mastectomy.