Vacuum-Assisted Core Biopsy in Diagnosis and Treatment of Intraductal Papillomas

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the value of mammographically-guided and ultrasonographically-guided vacuum-assisted core biopsy (VACB) in the diagnosis and treatment of intraductal papillomas of breast and to answer the question of whether biopsy with the Mammotome (Mammotome; Cincinnati, OH) allows the avoidance of surgery in these patients.Patients and MethodsIn the period 2000 to 2010, a total of 1896 vacuum-assisted core biopsies were performed, of which 1183 were ultrasonographically guided and 713 were mammographically guided (stereotaxic).ResultsIn 62 patients (3.2%) histopathologic examination confirmed intraductal papilloma, and in 12 patients (19.4%) atypical lesions were also found. Open surgical biopsy specimens revealed invasive cancer in 2 women these 12 women (false-negative rate, 16.7%; negative predictive value, 83.3%). Biopsy specimens from the remaining 50 patients (80.6%) revealed papilloma without atypia, and further clinical observation and imaging examinations did not show recurrence or malignant transformation of lesions. Hematoma developed in 3 (4.8%) patients as a complication of biopsy; surgical intervention was not required in any of the patients.ConclusionVACB is a minimally invasive and efficient method for diagnosing intraductal papilloma of the breast. If histopathologic examination confirms a benign lesion and corresponds to the clinical presentation, surgery may be avoided. However in all cases, histopathologic diagnosis of papilloma with atypical hyperplasia or a suspected malignant lesion in imaging examinations, despite negative biopsy results, should always be an indication for surgical excision.