[The value of pneumocystography in diagnosis of breast tumours (author's transl)].

Pneumocystography was performed regularly in mammographically benign tumours. During 1974 and 1975 16892 breast were investigated radiographically of which 1031 had palpable tumours. In 614 cases the results of palpation correlated with radiography and indicated a cyst. These tumours were punctured with the aim of demonstrating the cyst wall by air filling and subsequent pneumocystography. This procedure enabled 4 out of 10 women (430 out of 1031) to avoid operation despite clinically palpable tumours. In 184 cases biopsy was necessary. In 12 cases the pneumocystogram showed tumours needing excision in addition to unremarkable cysts, in 11 cases the cyst walls showed radiological changes, 161 tumours were apparently solid. Since December 1975 we have started to aspirate breasts with radiographically suspected cysts in the absence of palpable tumour and to perform a pneumocystogram. This attempt was successful in all 19 cases. Removal of unremarkable cysts should not be accepted any longer. Prior to removal of a palpable tumour of the breast radiological investigated is indicated.