Stereotaxic core needle biopsy of breast microcalcifications: Correlation of target accuracy and diagnosis with lesion size

Martha B. Mainiero, Liane E. Philpotts, Carol H. Lee, Robert C. Lange, Darryl Carter, Irena Tocino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine if lesion size or number of calcifications affects the ability to obtain microcalcifications or a specific histologic diagnosis at stereotaxic core needle biopsy (SCNB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammographic findings and histopathologic reports of 138 lesions in 124 patients (aged 30- 87 years; mean age, 56.2 years) who underwent SCNB of calcifications were reviewed. Calcifications in the specimen and attainment of a specific diagnosis were correlated with lesion size and number of calcifications. RESULTS: Calcifications were obtained in 118 cases (86%). A specific diagnosis was reported in 72 cases (52%). Differences in retrieval of calcifications or ability to establish a specific diagnosis with decreasing lesion size or decreasing number of calcifications were not statistically significant. Attainment of a specific diagnosis was significantly related to retrieval of calcifications (P <.005). CONCLUSION: SCNB was successful in obtaining calcifications in a high percentage of cases regardless of lesion size or number of calcifications. When calcifications were retrieved, a specific diagnosis was attained in most cases (72 of 118).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)665-669
Number of pages5
JournalRadiology
Volume198
Issue number3
StatePublished - Mar 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Breast neoplasms, diagnosis
  • Breast, biopsy
  • Breast, calcification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

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