[Ultrasound-guided biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions: correlation with the results of fine-needle aspiration biopsy].

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was the clinical evaluation of ultrasound-guided biopsy in comparison with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of identical, non-palpable breast lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 1997 until July 1998, 73 ultrasound-guided biopsies were performed in 66 patients with non-palpable lesions of the breast. In 18 patients (age 33-77 years) with 20 non-palpable lesions, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (20-G needle) and biopsy (18-G biopsy needle) were performed on a single occasion. This was the patient selection of our retrospective study.

RESULTS

One malignant neoplasm was found among the 20 biopsied lesions, while the remaining 19 lesions were of a benign nature. In 20% of the cases, the material obtained by fine-needle biopsy was not sufficient for a cytologic diagnosis, while biopsy allowed a diagnosis in 19/20 cases. No complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided biopsy using an 18-G needle is a suitable method for the evaluation of non-palpable lesions that are only visible on ultrasound. It represents an attractive alternative to fine-needle aspiration in the absence of experienced cytologic diagnosticians.