Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the breast using ultrasound techniques--superficial localization and direct visualization.

From July 1982 to December 1987, 519 fine needle aspiration biopsies were performed at the Indianapolis Breast Center. Both the superficial localization and the direct visualization methods were used. The fine needle aspiration biopsy technique (FNAB) was definitive in 92% of malignant masses, with minimum of 6 month follow up to date. The technique significantly alters the traditional approach to the management of breast cancer in that it allows preoperative discussions of options for treatment and eliminates the cost of excisional biopsies before definitive therapy.