An update on core needle biopsy for radiologically detected breast lesions.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, radiologically detected lesions of the breast have been evaluated by open surgical biopsy with wire localization. Recently, core needle biopsy has been introduced as an alternative to open surgical biopsy. The authors evaluated their own results with long term follow-up after core needle biopsy and reviewed the experience of other physicians with this new technique.

METHODS

Four hundred thirty-one core needle biopsies performed at UCLA were analyzed. The outcome of these cases was determined by either surgery or long term follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the accuracy of the method.

RESULTS

Definitive outcome was obtained in 96% of the core needle biopsy cases, with a median follow-up time of 18 months (range, 6-38 months). The authors achieved a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 100%. The false-negative rate was 1.7%. There were no complications in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Core needle biopsy is a highly accurate and safe method for the diagnosis of radiologically detected lesions of the breast.