Search

As a rule the diagnosis of larger focal lesions of the breast can be easily confirmed by biopsy. Intraoperative localization is more difficult, however, in lesions of below 5 mm diameter as measured by mammography or malignant alterations only indirectly indicated by mammography. Experience to date in 64 patients shows that specimen radiography provides immediate confirmation of large lesions detected by mammography and localizes the area for histologic examination. So far it has been found that precisely those biopsies that are performed as a result of indirect signs of malignancy or of small lesions are the most valuable contributing factor in the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

A significant decrease in mortality due to breast cancer is feasible only by earlier diagnosis. The decisive screening method is mammography, which permits identification of a malignancy in its earliest stages. Indirect and direct signs of malignancy exist whose detection necessitates biopsy. Radiological examination of the tissue sample permits evaluation of the adequacy of excision and thus renders possible specific histological examination of the region of interest. Pneumocystography is a method for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy of benign cysts.