Personal experience of ultrasound-guided 14-gauge core biopsy of breast tumor

Aim This study was aimed to examine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of breast tumor and compared with the results of previous publications. Methods From January 2001 to September 2003, 546 lesions in 513 consecutive patients with the identification of a tumor on ultrasound examination categorized belong and above C3 according to BIRADS (Breast Image Reporting and Data Systems). A minimum of three samples was taken during the biopsy process. Results The patientsʹ ages ranged from 17 to 89 years (mean, 43 years); tumors were from 5.7 to 41.6 mm in diameter (mean, 20.3 mm). There were 341 lesions with benign findings, 202 lesions with malignancy and 3 lesions with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH). Underestimates were found in five patients. Two patients were “ADH-DCIS (ductal carcinorma in situ) underestimate”, and three patients were “DCIS-IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) underestimate”. The ADH underestimation rate was 40% (2/5) and DCIS underestimation rate was 43% (3/7). No false-positive results were observed. According to this study, the accuracy rate was 99%, sensitivity rate 97.6%, specificity rate 100%, and false-negative rate 2.4%. Conclusions Both palpable and impalpable breast lesions should be examined under image guidance and automated core biopsy is the technique of first choice. Fourteen-gauge core biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis in 99% of solid tumors in this series.