Ultrasound-guided biopsy of nonpalpable breast masses by surgeons

Abstract

Background: Recently, ultrasound (US)-guided needle biopsy has been proposed as an acceptable alternative to open biopsy in women with nonpalpable breast masses. This study evaluated the accuracy of US-guided needle biopsy of nonpalpable breast masses performed by surgeons at the time of the initial clinical examination.

Methods: Ultrasound-guided aspiration and/or core biopsy (US-GAB) was performed on 103 patients presenting with a nonpalpable, new, or increasing-size mass detected on mammography. Study patients included those whose US was classified as: fibroadenoma (FA) (n=26), complex cyst (n=32), indeterminate (complex cyst versus solid; N=24), or suspect (n=21).

Results: Of the 32 patients with diagnostic US of complex cyst, US-GAB confirmed 27 to be cysts. Twelve additional cysts were aspirated among the 24 indeterminate lesions. Sixteen FA were diagnosed on US-GAB; 11 of these underwent open biopsy and each was demonstrated to be a FA. Fibrocystic/benign-breast change (FBC) was diagnosed on 26 US-GAB; 15 of these underwent open biopsy, which demonstrated three FA and 12 FBC. Nine atypical lesions were diagnosed on US-GAB; six FBC, one papilloma, one FA, and one cancer were demonstrated on open biopsy. Seven cancers were diagnosed on US-GAB and all were confirmed on open biopsy. There were six insufficient specimens from US-GAB; four of these underwent open biopsy, which demonstrated two FA and two FBC.

Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided aspiration and/or core biopsy performed by surgeons in conjunction with the initial clinical examination can accurately diagnose nonpalpable, mammographically detected breast masses.