STEREOTAXIC CORE BIOPSY OF BREAST MICROCALCIFICATIONS - HELP FOR DIAGNOSIS

We assessed the accuracy with which stereotactic core biopsy of breast microcalcifications helps to justify follow-up or indicate required s urgical planning. Eigthy-nine patients underwent stereotactic breast b iopsy performed with large core needles. Histopathologic findings of m icrobiopsies were correlated with radiological findings, with follow u p and with surgical findings. Agreement between radiological and histo pathologic findings on biopsies was obtained in 86% for benign results . Even in the case of benign radiological findings,the histological re sults of microbiopsies required a surgical biopsy justified in 10% of cases. Radiologically suspicious or malignant microcalcifications were correlated with 35% benign and 65% malignant histologies on biopsies. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were respectively 93%, 86% and 95%. Invasive lesions were found on mi crobiopsies in 39% of excised malignant lesions. Multifocal lesions we re proved on microbiopsies in 50% of all excised carcinomas. Microbiop sies help to disclose malignant lesions undetected on radiological ana lysis, and may obviate diagnostic surgical biopsy in many cases.