[Sonographically guided, minimally invasive biopsy of uncertain mammary lesions. Clinical experience with a new biopsy system].

METHODS

We performed Vacora biopsy on 53 patients for minimally invasive breast diagnostics. Each histologically malignant lesion underwent surgery. The histopathology of the Vacora biopsy was then compared to the surgical report. When there was a discrepancy between Vacora histopathology and the report, the patient underwent open biopsy. In all patients with benign histopathology results, sonography was performed 5-7 days after biopsy and after 3 months.

RESULTS

We performed biopsies on two lesions in eight patients, and on three lesions in one patient. Mean age of the patients was 52.1+/-12.8 years. A total of 62 lesions were examined. Mean size of the lesions was 13.3+/-9.6 mm. Fourteen (26.4%) were malignant (n=2 DCIS, n=12 invasive carcinoma). Histological grading was identical for Vacora biopsy and the surgical specimens. One case showed ADH by Vacora biopsy, which was confirmed by open biopsy. Vacora biopsy generated one false negative. There were a total of 36 benign lesions.

CONCLUSION

Vacora biopsy under sonographic guidance is a method which is easy to handle, diagnostically accurate and without severe complications. Due to higher costs in comparison to high speed core biopsy, Vacora biopsy should be performed only in cases in which high speed core biopsy is not expected to result in a valid result.