USEFULNESS OF THE ROUTINE MAGNIFICATION VIEW AFTER BREAST-CONSERVATION THERAPY FOR CARCINOMA

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of the routine supplementary magnifi cation view in patients who have undergone breast conservation therapy . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred seventy-one mammograms in 392 pa tients were evaluated. Conventional craniocaudal and mediolateral obli que views were obtained in each patient. After a preliminary interpret ation was made, a magnification view of the excision site was evaluate d and any additional information was documented. RESULTS: In 115 exami nations (24%), the magnification view was considered necessary to bett er evaluate equivocal or questionable calcifications seen on standard views. In 18 cases (4%), review of the magnification view influenced t he decision to perform biopsy. None of the magnification views that we re considered unnecessary caused the interpretation made from conventi onal views to be altered. CONCLUSION: Magnification mammographic views should be obtained in patients who have undergone breast conservation therapy only when considered necessary after review of findings on co nventional views.