[The value od needle biopsy for the microscopic diagnosis of diseases of the breast (author's transl)].

The accuracy of needle biopsies with the disposable biopsy needle TRU-cut was compared to the results of the microscopic examinations of excisional biopsies obtained after the needle biopsy in 276 patients. The diagnostic accuracy in relationship to the diameter of the lesion is listed for 140 patients with carcinoma of the breast, for 72 patients with benign tumors of the breast and for 64 patients with well localized palpable fibrocystic disease. In our experience, the following pre-requistes are necessary to obtain a high diagnostic accuracy for the needle biopsy: 1. A well filled circumscribed, well palpable nodule of uniform consistency. 2. A superficial site close to the skin. 3. A diameter of more than 2 cm. 4. Some experience with the use of the instrument. Needle biopsies of the breast are indicated for skin metastases, recurrences in the scar, and for in-operably advanced tumor or patients who should not have general anaesthesia. Needle biopsy as the biopsy method for a primary plan of management is only relatively indicated in large carcinomas of the breast, or smaller tumors located close to the skin, or tumors which are well accessable in a small breast. The needle biopsy is not suited for the diagnosis of benign tumors of the breast, fibroadenomas, lipomas, or papillomas since complete excision of these lesions is the aim of management. In fibrocystic disease, needle biopsy is not indicated. This clinical or radiological localized finding may correlate to variable microscopic entities with different plans of management. The very small portion of the process shown in the needle biopsy is insufficient in fibrocystic disease. An absolute contra-indication to needle biopsy of the breast is the diagnosis of obscure disease on the breast.