Search

Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency of complete removal of the imaging target at MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy of breast cancer and to assess the residual cancer rate at surgery in these lesions., Materials and Methods: With the approval of our institutional review board, retrospective review was performed of 416 consecutive lesions that underwent MRI-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy, of which 76 (18%) yielded cancer. Medical and pathology records were reviewed., Results: Vacuum-assisted biopsy histology in 76 cancers was ductal carcinoma in situ in 39 (51%) and invasive cancer in 37 (49%). Median MRI lesion size in these 76 cancers was 1.2 cm (range, 0.4-8.0 cm). The median number of samples obtained was 12 (range, 6-24 samples). Among 76 cancers, the MRI target was completely excised in 23 (30% [95% CI, 20-42%]), sampled in 52 (69% [57-79%]), and possibly missed in one (1% [0-7%]). Complete MRI target excision rather than sampling was significantly more likely in lesions < or = 1 cm than in lesions >1 cm (18/34 = 53% vs 5/41 = 12%; p < 0.001). Surgery, performed in 67 of 76 cancers, showed residual cancer in 55 (82% [71-90%]). The residual cancer rate was significantly lower if the MRI target was completely excised rather than sampled (14/22 = 64% vs 40/44 = 91%; p < 0.02)., Conclusion: Complete excision of the MRI target occurred in 30% of breast cancers diagnosed at MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. Among cancers in which the MRI target was percutaneously excised, surgery yielded residual cancer in 64%. Complete removal of the MRI target does not ensure complete histologic excision of the cancer.

Objective: The study objective was to assess the rate of underestimation of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at MRI-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy., Materials and Methods: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was performed of 373 consecutive lesions that had undergone MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy. In 34 lesions with subsequent surgery, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy yielded DCIS without frank microinvasion or invasion. DCIS underestimates were lesions for which vacuum-assisted breast biopsy yielded DCIS without frank microinvasion or invasion at biopsy and surgery yielded invasive cancer. Records and pathology findings were reviewed., Results: Among 34 lesions, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy histology was DCIS in 29 and DCIS with possible microinvasion in five. Of 29 lesions yielding DCIS at MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, surgical excision revealed invasive cancer in five (17%; 95% CI, 6-36%). The DCIS underestimation rate was significantly higher in lesions 6 cm or larger versus smaller lesions (60% vs 8%, p = 0.02). MRI lesion type, kinetics, number of specimens, menopausal status, and target sampling versus excision did not significantly affect underestimation. Of five lesions yielding DCIS with possible microinvasion at MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, surgery revealed invasive carcinoma in four (80%; 95% CI, 28-99%). DCIS underestimation was significantly more likely if MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy showed possible microinvasion than if it did not (80% vs 17%, p =0.01)., Conclusion: Underestimation occurred in 17% of lesions yielding DCIS and in 80% of lesions yielding DCIS with possible microinvasion at MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy. DCIS underestimation was significantly more likely in lesions measuring 6 cm or larger. No other patient or lesion factors significantly affected DCIS underestimation at MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate our initial clinical experience with MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy as an alternative to surgical excision., Materials and Methods: A retrospective review revealed 112 consecutive nonpalpable, mammographically occult MRI-detected breast lesions scheduled for MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. Biopsy was performed with a 9-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy probe (Suros Surgical Systems) followed by clip placement (Artemis Medical). Medical records and histologic findings were reviewed., Results: Among 112 lesions, biopsy was cancelled because of nonvisualization of the lesion in 14 (12%). Of the remaining 98 lesions, tissue was successfully acquired in 95 (97%). The median number of specimens obtained was 12 (range, 6-20). The median time to perform MRI-guided biopsy was 33 min for one lesion and 56 min for two lesions. Histology in 95 lesions was benign and concordant in 52 (55%), cancer in 24 (25%), high-risk in 10 (11%), and discordant in nine (9%). MRI-guided biopsy histologies in 24 cancers were ductal carcinoma in situ in 13 (54%) and infiltrating carcinoma in 11 (46%). Seven additional cancers were found at surgery in four discordant lesions and in three high-risk lesions. The clip successfully deployed in 86 (95%) of 91 lesions. Six complications (three hematomas, two instances in which the biopsy probe pierced the skin on the far side of the breast, and one vasovagal reaction) resolved without sequelae., Conclusion: MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is a fast and safe alternative to surgical biopsy for MRI-detected breast lesions. Imaging-histologic correlation is necessary to ensure lesion sampling.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of bracketing wire placement during preoperative breast needle localization., Subjects and Methods: We prospectively examined mammograms of 1057 consecutive lesions that had preoperative needle localization and surgical excision and classified the lesions according to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) final assessment categories. Bracketing wires, defined as multiple wires placed to delineate the boundaries of a single lesion, were used in 103 (9.7%) of 1057 lesions. Medical records, imaging studies, and histologic findings in these 103 lesions were reviewed., Results: Of 103 bracketed lesions, median lesion size was 3.5 cm (range, 1.5-9.5 cm). Ninety-three lesions (90.3%) contained calcifications; 65 lesions (63.1%) were BI-RADS category 5 (highly suggestive of malignancy); and 33 lesions (32.0%) were percutaneously proven cancers. The median number of wires placed was two (range, 2-5). Surgical histologic findings were carcinoma in 75 lesions (72.8%), atypical hyperplasia in eight lesions (7.8%), and benign in 20 lesions (19.4%). Of 42 calcific lesions that were bracketed and had postoperative mammograms available for review, complete removal of suspicious calcifications was accomplished in 34 (81.0%). Of 75 cancers that were bracketed, clear histologic margins of resection were obtained in 33 (44.0%)., Conclusion: Bracketing wires were used during preoperative needle localization primarily for larger calcific lesions that were proven cancers or were highly suggestive of malignancy (BI-RADS category 5). Bracketing wires may assist the surgeon in achieving complete excision of calcifications, but bracketing wires do not ensure clear histologic margins of resection.

Purpose: To determine the technical success rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy in women with nonpalpable infiltrating breast cancer diagnosed by using percutaneous core biopsy and to determine the frequency with which sentinel lymph node biopsy obviated axillary dissection., Materials and Methods: Retrospective review revealed 33 women who underwent sentinel node biopsy after percutaneous core biopsy diagnosis of nonpalpable infiltrating breast cancer. Sentinel nodes were identified with radioisotope and blue dye; the procedure was technically successful if sentinel nodes were found at surgery. All sentinel nodes were excised. Axillary dissection was performed if tumor was present in sentinel nodes., Results: Sentinel nodes were found at surgery in 30 women (91%). Sentinel nodes were identified with both radioisotope and blue dye in 22 (73%) of these women, with only radioisotope in six (20%), and with only blue dye in two (7%). Sentinel nodes were found in 12 (80%) of 15 women in the first half of the study versus all 18 (100%) women in the second half (P = .08). Sentinel nodes were free of tumor in 23 (77%) of 30 women. In six (86%) of seven women with tumor in sentinel nodes, the sentinel nodes were the only nodes with tumor., Conclusion: Sentinel node biopsy was successful in 30 women (91%) with nonpalpable infiltrating carcinoma diagnosed with percutaneous core biopsy and obviated axillary dissection in 23 women (70%). Using both radioisotope and blue dye may increase the success rate. A learning curve exists, and success improves with experience.

Purpose: To determine the frequency with which ultrasonographically (US) guided core biopsy obviated diagnostic surgical biopsy of nonpalpable breast masses, to calculate the cost savings of diagnosis attributable to US-guided core biopsy, and to compare the costs of US-guided versus stereotactically guided core biopsy., Materials and Methods: US-guided core biopsy was performed in 151 consecutive solitary, nonpalpable breast masses in 151 women (age range, 23-80 years) by using a 14-gauge automated gun and needle. Clinical follow-up data were obtained. Cost savings were assessed by using national Medicare reimbursement costs of +385 for US-guided core biopsy, +610 for stereotactic core biopsy, and +1,332 for needle localization and surgical biopsy., Results: US-guided core biopsy obviated a surgical procedure in 128 (85%) of 151 women. The mean adjusted direct cost saving per US-guided core biopsy was +744 per case. Use of US-guided biopsy decreased the cost of diagnosis by 56% (+744/+1,332) over the cost of surgical biopsy. If biopsy had been performed with stereotactic rather than with US guidance, the mean adjusted direct cost saving would have been +519 per case, a 39% (+519/1,332) decrease in the cost of diagnosis compared with the cost of surgical biopsy., Conclusion: Percutaneous biopsy of a nonpalpable breast mass with either US or stereotactic guidance is less expensive than surgery, but cost savings are greater with US-guided biopsy.

Purpose: To assess stereotactic core biopsy for evaluation of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 5 calcifications (highly suggestive of malignancy)., Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of mammograms revealed 31 women (aged 34-86 years) with BI-RADS category 5 calcifications who underwent 14-gauge stereotactic core biopsy with an automated gun. Records were reviewed to determine the frequency with which stereotactic core biopsy obviated a surgical procedure. Cost savings were based on Medicare estimates of $472 for stereotactic core biopsy and $1,335 for surgical biopsy., Results: Of 31 patients, stereotactic core biopsy revealed carcinoma in 19 (61%), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) in eight (26%), and benign findings discordant with mammographic results in four (13%). Surgical biopsy was recommended for the 12 patients with ADH or benign but discordant core biopsy diagnoses. Of the 19 patients with carcinoma at stereotactic core biopsy, two chose to undergo a second biopsy surgically, two had small foci of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that would have been fully excised with surgical biopsy, one with DCIS at stereotactic core biopsy underwent axillary dissection after invasion was found at surgery, and one underwent excision but had tumor at lumpectomy margins. Thirteen (42%) of 31 patients were spared a surgical procedure, saving $100 per patient., Conclusion: Stereotactic core biopsy with an automated gun obviated a surgical procedure in 42% of patients with BI-RADS category 5 calcifications, resulting in modest cost savings in this group.

Purpose: To evaluate mammographic findings after stereotactic 14-gauge vacuum biopsy., Materials and Methods: Retrospective review was performed of results at stereotactic 14-gauge vacuum biopsy in 108 lesions in 100 women. The median number of specimens obtained per lesion was 12 (mean, 14; range, 1-50). In all cases, mammography was performed immediately after vacuum biopsy. Pre- and postbiopsy mammograms were reviewed., Results: Postbiopsy mammograms depicted air at the biopsy site in 78 (72%) of 108 lesions and hematoma in 65 (60%) of 108 lesions. Of 55 lesions depicted as calcifications, postbiopsy mammograms depicted a decrease in the number of calcifications in 45 (82%), including nine cases in which all calcifications were removed. No residual lesion was identified on postbiopsy mammograms in 14 (13%) of 108 lesions; 11 (58%) of 19 mammographic lesions that measured 0.5 cm or less in maximal dimension were completely removed. Nineteen patients underwent a needle localization procedure, at a median 14 days (range, 6-51 days) after vacuum biopsy. In one patient a hematoma was depicted at mammography 10 days after biopsy; in the remaining 18 (95%) patients, mammograms obtained during needle localization depicted no hematoma or air., Conclusion: Air and hematoma were often present on mammograms immediately after stereotactic vacuum biopsy, but these changes resolved rapidly. Stereotactic vacuum biopsy provided wide sampling of calcifications and allowed complete removal of the mammographic lesion in some cases.

Purpose: To evaluate the mammographic and histopathologic features of carcinomas not diagnosed at stereotactic core biopsy., Materials and Methods: A retrospective review revealed 144 surgically confirmed carcinomas preoperatively sampled with stereotactic core biopsy. Diagnosis at stereotactic core biopsy was carcinoma in 116 (81%) lesions, atypical hyperplasia in 21 (15%), and benign findings discordant with those from mammography in seven (5%). Mammographic and histopathologic findings in the latter 28 cases were reviewed., Results: Prompt repeat biopsy was recommended in all 28 cases. The frequency with which a cancer yielded atypical hyperplasia at stereotactic core biopsy was higher for calcifications than masses (30% vs 5%, P < .0001), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) than infiltrating carcinoma (33% vs 7%, P = .0002), and noncomedo than comedo DCIS (60% vs 9%, P = .0008). No significant difference was observed in the likelihood of benign core biopsy findings without atypia in malignant calcifications versus masses (7% vs 3%, P = .43), DCIS versus infiltrating carcinoma (7% vs 4%, P = .43), or noncomedo versus comedo DCIS (0% vs 9%, P = .49)., Conclusion: The likelihood of not diagnosing carcinoma was highest for calcifications and for noncomedo DCIS. Discordance in mammographic and histopathologic findings or the presence of atypical hyperplasia may enable the radiologist to identify missed or underestimated carcinomas prospectively and avoid a delay in diagnosis.

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of stereotaxic core biopsy (SCB) in diagnosing recurrent carcinoma after breast-conserving therapy (BCT)., Materials and Methods: Of 316 patients evaluated with SCB, 17 (5%) had nonpalpable lesions in breasts previously treated with BCT. Surgical correlation was obtained in 14 patients. SCBs were performed with digital stereotaxic equipment, with patients prone., Results: Carcinoma detected at SCB in 11 (79%) of 14 patients included infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IFDC) in five, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in five, and infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) in one. Surgical histopathologic findings agreed with core biopsy findings in 10 of these patients. In one patient with two SCB-proved foci of IFDC, one IFDC was identified at mastectomy. In two (14%) patients, SCB revealed atypical ductal hyperplasia; however, DCIS was found at surgical biopsy. In one patient, the SCB finding of fat necrosis was confirmed at surgical biopsy., Conclusion: These data suggest that SCB may be useful in diagnosing recurrent carcinoma in the conservatively treated breast.

Objective: The role of stereotaxic core biopsy in evaluating mammographically detected lesions that have a high probability of being malignant is still debated. This study was undertaken to assess the use of stereotaxic core biopsy in evaluating spiculated masses, by determining the frequency with which core biopsy reduced the number of surgical procedures performed in the management of these highly suspicious lesions., Materials and Methods: Forty-three impalpable spiculated breast masses in 43 patients were sampled with stereotaxic core biopsy. All patients underwent surgery. Patient charts were reviewed to determine the histopathologic findings at stereotaxic core biopsy and at surgery, and the number and type of surgeries performed., Results: Invasive carcinoma was identified at stereotaxic core biopsy in 40 (93%) of 43 patients. Therapeutic surgical procedures were lumpectomy in 28 patients (22 with axillary dissection) and mastectomy in 12. The presence of tumor at the lumpectomy margins led to subsequent mastectomy in one case. One lesion yielded atypical ductal hyperplasia at core biopsy; surgical biopsy revealed ductal carcinoma in situ. Surgical biopsy was recommended in two lesions yielding benign histologies at core biopsy and revealed invasive ductal carcinoma in one. Thirty-three (77%) of 43 patients had the number of surgical procedures reduced by stereotaxic core biopsy; these were patients with carcinoma diagnosed at core biopsy who underwent one-stage lumpectomy with axillary lymph node dissection or mastectomy., Conclusion: Stereotaxic core biopsy reduced the number of surgical procedures in most women with impalpable spiculated breast masses. These data suggest that stereotaxic core biopsy is a valuable diagnostic technique for assessing these lesions, which are likely to represent carcinoma.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether mammography immediately after stereotaxic core breast biopsy should be performed routinely to diagnose hematoma, to confirm the sampling site, and to establish a new baseline for future mammograms., Materials and Methods: Stereotaxic core biopsies of 113 mammographically indeterminate or suspicious lesions were performed by use of a dedicated stereotaxic table with digital imaging, a 14-gauge needle, and an automated gun. The indication for biopsy was a mass with or without calcifications in 59 cases (52%) and calcifications without a mass in 54 cases (48%). The number of core biopsies per case ranged from one to 16 (mean = six). Craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique mammograms of the sampled breast were obtained immediately after the biopsies and were compared with prebiopsy mammograms. In cases with microcalcifications, the mammograms also were compared with specimen radiographs., Results: Mammograms obtained immediately after the procedure showed changes related to the biopsy in 86 cases (76%). These findings included decreased lesion size in 11 (10%), air at the biopsy site in 47 (42%), and hematoma, manifested as poorly defined increased density at the biopsy site, in 58 (51%). One hematoma was clinically significant, but the remaining 57 were clinically occult. When core biopsies were performed for calcifications, the postprocedural mammograms showed a decrease in the number of calcifications in 26 (48%) of 54 cases, but specimen radiographs showed calcium in 50 (93%) of 54 cases. Four lesions (three masses and one cluster of microcalcifications) disappeared after biopsy. In three cases, hematomas obscured residual calcifications at the biopsy site., Conclusion: Mammography immediately after core biopsy is not necessary for the diagnosis of procedure-related hematoma and is inferior to specimen radiography for verifying that calcifications have been sampled. Postprocedural mammograms also may be suboptimal for the establishment of a new baseline because of the frequent finding of hematoma.

Focuses on the use of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a screening modality for high cancer risk women. Alternatives to MRI; Criteria of asymptomatic high risk women patients who were enrolled as subjects for the study; Percentage of the women who were detected with an MRI abnormality.