Stereotactic core needle biopsy of multiple sites in the breast: efficacy and effect on patient care

To evaluate the efficacy and effect on patient care of performing stereotactic core needle biopsy of more than one site in the presence of multiple breast lesions.

Twenty-five patients underwent stereotactic core needle biopsy of more than one site. Histologic findings at core biopsy were correlated with mammographic findings, subsequent surgical results, and clinical follow-up.

The final pathologic results were malignant in 15 (60%) patients. Invasive duct carcinoma or duct carcinoma in situ or both were diagnosed at more than one site and necessitated mastectomy in 10 patients (group I). Benign lesions were found at all sites in 10 patients (group II). Duct carcinoma in situ at only one site or atypical duct hyperplasia at one or more sites was documented in three patients, two of whom underwent breast conservation surgery (group III). Multisite stereotactic core needle biopsy had a positive effect on patient care in 20 (80%) of 25 patients by either helping to confirm the need for mastectomy without requiring needle localization biopsy (group I) or by documenting benign disease and sparing the patient needle localization biopsy at one or more sites (group II).

Multisite stereotactic core needle biopsy is feasible, safe, and may influence treatment in patients with multiple mammographic abnormalities.