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US-guided core breast biopsy: use and cost-effectiveness
L Liberman1, T L Feng, D D Dershaw
1Breast Imaging Section, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Radiology
|September 2, 1998
Summary
Ultrasonographically guided core biopsy successfully replaced surgical biopsy in 85% of nonpalpable breast masses, offering significant cost savings for breast cancer diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Nonpalpable breast masses often require diagnostic biopsy.
- Minimally invasive techniques are preferred for diagnosis and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonographically (US) guided core biopsy in obviating surgical biopsy for nonpalpable breast masses.
- Calculate cost savings associated with US-guided core biopsy.
- Compare the costs of US-guided versus stereotactically guided core biopsy.
Main Methods:
- 151 women with solitary, nonpalpable breast masses underwent US-guided core biopsy using a 14-gauge automated needle.
- Clinical follow-up data were collected.
- Cost analysis utilized national Medicare reimbursement rates.
Main Results:
- US-guided core biopsy eliminated the need for surgical biopsy in 85% (128/151) of cases.
- The mean cost saving per US-guided core biopsy was $744, a 56% reduction compared to surgical biopsy.
- Stereotactic guidance yielded a mean cost saving of $519 per case (39% reduction).
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous biopsy, both US-guided and stereotactically guided, is more cost-effective than surgical biopsy for nonpalpable breast masses.
- US-guided core biopsy offers greater cost savings compared to stereotactic guidance.