Results of the stereotactic breast biopsy in mammographically suspicious lesions

Purpose: The object of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy o f the stereotactic large core breast biopsy in the histological assessment of mammographically suspicious lesions. Material and Methods: In 106 patien ts with a mammographically suspicious lesion, 67 with a mass (55 non-palpab le, 12 palpable and 39 with microcalcification stereotactic large core biop sies were performed. Samples were obtained in the prone position under loca l anesthesia with a 14-gauge needle and an automated high-speed gun. An ave rage of 4.3 cores per lesion were acquired. In 68 patients (64%) an additio nal surgical biopsy was performed, 38 (36%) had clinical and mammographic f ollow-up. Results: In 4 of the 106 stereotactic biopsies insufficient mater ial for the histological examination was obtained. In the 68 core biopsies with surgical correlation there were no false-positive, but 2 false-negativ e results with regard to the malignancy of the lesion (sensitivity: 93.8%; specificity: 100%). The 2 false-negative results were obtained in lesions t hat were mammographically judged as malignant while histology of the stereo tactic biopsy showed fibrosis. The stereotactic large core breast biopsy wa s well tolerated by all patients. No clinically significant complications o ccurred. Conclusion: The stereotactic large core breast biopsy of a mammogr aphically suspicious lesion can be performed with a high diagnostic accurac y. A correlation of the mammographic and histological findings and a follow -up program are necessary in order to recognize false-negative results earl y and to avoid a delay in the diagnosis.