Personal experience of ultrasound-guided 14-gauge core biopsy of breast tumor

AimThis study was aimed to examine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of breast tumor and compared with the results of previous publications.MethodsFrom January 2001 to September 2003, 546 lesions in 513 consecutive patients with the identification of a tumor on ultrasound examination categorized belong and above C3 according to BIRADS (Breast Image Reporting and Data Systems). A minimum of three samples was taken during the biopsy process.ResultsThe patients' ages ranged from 17 to 89 years (mean, 43 years); tumors were from 5.7 to 41.6 mm in diameter (mean, 20.3 mm). There were 341 lesions with benign findings, 202 lesions with malignancy and 3 lesions with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH). Underestimates were found in five patients. Two patients were “ADH-DCIS (ductal carcinorma in situ) underestimate”, and three patients were “DCIS-IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) underestimate”. The ADH underestimation rate was 40% (2/5) and DCIS underestimation rate was 43% (3/7). No false-positive results were observed. According to this study, the accuracy rate was 99%, sensitivity rate 97.6%, specificity rate 100%, and false-negative rate 2.4%.ConclusionsBoth palpable and impalpable breast lesions should be examined under image guidance and automated core biopsy is the technique of first choice. Fourteen-gauge core biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis in 99% of solid tumors in this series.