Short-term follow-up in 6 months is unnecessary for asymptomatic breast lesions with benign concordant results obtained at ultrasonography-guided 14-gauge core needle biopsy

[Interpretation of Image-Guided Biopsy Results and Assessment]

The success of image-guided breast biopsy depends on the biopsy method, needle selection, and appropriate technique based on the accurate judgment by the radiologist at biopsy. However, insufficient or inappropriate sampling of specimens may result in false-negative results or pathologic underestimation. Therefore, image-pathology concordance assessments after biopsy are essential for appropriate patient management. Particularly, the assessment of image-pathology concordance can avoid false-negative reports of breast cancer as a benign pathology. Therefore, this study aimed to discuss factors that impact the accurate interpretation of image-guided breast biopsy along with the appropriate assessments.

Evaluating imaging-pathology concordance and discordance after ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

Ultrasound (US)-guided breast biopsy has become the main method for diagnosing breast pathology, and it has a high diagnostic accuracy, approaching that of open surgical biopsy. However, methods for confirming adequate lesion retrieval after US-guided biopsy are relatively limited and false-negative results are unavoidable. Determining imaging-pathology concordance after US-guided biopsy is essential for validating the biopsy result and providing appropriate management. In this review article, we briefly present the results of US-guided breast biopsy; describe general aspects to consider when establishing imaging-pathology concordance; and review the various categories of imaging-pathology correlations and corresponding management strategies.