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Stereotactic breast biopsy: a surgical series
1Louisiana State University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, The Breast Center, New Orleans 70115, USA.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|September 18, 1997
Summary
Stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB) is accurate for diagnosing breast lesions. While SCNB is effective for microcalcifications, interval mammography may be a cost-effective alternative for probably benign masses.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB) is increasingly utilized by radiologists and surgeons.
- Its accuracy and cost-effectiveness are established, but optimal use for probably benign mammographic lesions and the impact of a learning curve remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of SCNB for various mammographic indications.
- To determine if operator experience influences the types of lesions biopsied and the procedure's performance.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 244 SCNB procedures performed by a single author between August 1993 and May 1996.
- Analysis of biopsy indications, diagnostic outcomes, and complications.
Main Results:
- Probably benign masses (45%) and microcalcifications (24%) were the most common indications.
- Cancer was diagnosed in 11.1% of all biopsies, with higher rates for microcalcifications (18.4%) than probably benign masses (1.8%).
- The overall accuracy rate was 97.7%. Operator experience correlated with an increase in biopsies for microcalcifications and a decrease for probably benign masses.
Conclusions:
- SCNB accuracy in this surgical series is comparable to published data.
- Increased operator experience led to biopsies of more complex lesions, suggesting a learning curve.
- For probably benign masses with a low cancer incidence (<2%), interval mammography may be a more cost-effective approach.