Magnification views of mammography decrease biopsy rates

Mammography is a valuable tool for screening and has increased early detect ion of breast cancer. Magnification views are commonly used to further eluc idate suspicious changes seen on routine mammograms. The effect of magnific ation views and their utility have not been studied regarding the influence on treatment strategies. All patients who had magnification views performe d along with their mammogram at Tulane University Medical Center over a one -year period were included. Patient charts were reviewed for mammogram read ings, recommendations, and any biopsy results. The original mammograms with out the magnification views were given to a physician who was blinded to th e final results of the magnification views for a recommendation of whether or not to biopsy the lesion. These recommendations were compared with the r esults with actual recommendations. Magnification views were performed on 1 27 patients. After the additional magnification views were taken 27 per cen t (34 of 127) of patients had biopsies performed. Biopsy results revealed b enign findings in 71 per cent and nonbenign findings (lobular carcinoma in situ, ductal carcinoma in situ, or carcinoma) in 29 per cent. On the basis of the recommendations without magnification views 64 per cent of patients would have had biopsies performed. Magnification views decreased the biopsy rates by 58 per cent (P < 0.001; <chi>(2) tests). Magnification views can help decrease the number of biopsies performed for suspicious small areas o n mammograms. Their judicious use can help decrease unnecessary procedures, patient anxiety, and cost. Magnification views are useful to help surgeons and radiologists best screen for breast cancer.