Low-risk palpable breast masses removed using a vacuum-assisted hand-held device

A neural network with a human learning paradigm for breast fibroadenoma segmentation in sonography

BACKGROUND

Breast fibroadenoma poses a significant health concern, particularly for young women. Computer-aided diagnosis has emerged as an effective and efficient method for the early and accurate detection of various solid tumors. Automatic segmentation of the breast fibroadenoma is important and potentially reduces unnecessary biopsies, but challenging due to the low image quality and presence of various artifacts in sonography.

METHODS

Human learning involves modularizing complete information and then integrating it through dense contextual connections in an intuitive and efficient way. Here, a human learning paradigm was introduced to guide the neural network by using two consecutive phases: the feature fragmentation stage and the information aggregation stage. To optimize this paradigm, three fragmentation attention mechanisms and information aggregation mechanisms were adapted according to the characteristics of sonography. The evaluation was conducted using a local dataset comprising 600 breast ultrasound images from 30 patients at Suining Central Hospital in China. Additionally, a public dataset consisting of 246 breast ultrasound images from Dataset_BUSI and DatasetB was used to further validate the robustness of the proposed network. Segmentation performance and inference speed were assessed by Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), and training time and then compared with those of the baseline model (TransUNet) and other state-of-the-art methods.

RESULTS

Most models guided by the human learning paradigm demonstrated improved segmentation on the local dataset with the best one (incorporating C3ECA and LogSparse Attention modules) outperforming the baseline model by 0.76% in DSC and 3.14 mm in HD and reducing the training time by 31.25%. Its robustness and efficiency on the public dataset are also confirmed, surpassing TransUNet by 0.42% in DSC and 5.13 mm in HD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed human learning paradigm has demonstrated the superiority and efficiency of ultrasound breast fibroadenoma segmentation across both public and local datasets. This intuitive and efficient learning paradigm as the core of neural networks holds immense potential in medical image processing.

Implementation of vacuum-assisted excision as a management option for benign and high-risk breast lesions

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown that vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) is a safe and effective alternative for surgical excision (SE) of benign breast lesions. However, the use of VAE in high-risk lesions is controversial and guidelines are ambiguous. This study describes the impact of the implementation of VAE in terms of management and outcomes compared to a cohort before implementation.

METHODS

A single centre retrospective study with two cohorts: 'before' and 'after' implementation of VAE was performed. All patients with a benign or high-risk lesion treated by VAE or SE between 2016 and 2019 were included. Excision, complication, and upgrade rates were compared between both cohorts. Cox regression was used for the evaluation of recurrences and re-excisions.

RESULTS

The overall excision rate of all benign and high-risk lesions was comparable in both cohorts (17% vs 16%, p = 0.700). After implementation, benign lesions were significantly more often managed by VAE (101/151, 67%, p < 0.001). Re-excision, recurrence, and complication rates were low and comparable between cohorts (4.3% vs 3.9%, p > 0.999; 3.0 vs 2.0%, p = 0.683; 3.4 vs 6.6%, p = 0.289, respectively).

CONCLUSION

SE could safely be replaced by VAE in 58% of patients treated for a benign or high-risk lesion. With this shift in management, the use of operating rooms and general anaesthesia can safely be omitted in this patient group. Further research on high-risk lesions is warranted since our data are exploratory.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study provides supportive data for the use of VAE as a management option for both benign (up to 5 cm) and high-risk lesions. Outcomes on re-excision, recurrence should be confirmed in prospective studies especially in high-risk lesions.

The clinical value of conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of BI-RADS 4 lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To determine the value of conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) Category 4 lesions as detected by MRI.

METHODS

A total of 176 breast lesions from 171 patients were detected by MRI and categorised as BI-RADS 4. All patients also underwent ultrasound and CEUS scans. The combination of ultrasound-BI-RADS and CEUS 5-point scoring system created the Rerated BI-RADS (referred to as CEUS-BI-RADS). The diagnostic performances of ultrasound and CEUS-BI-RADS were then compared. A χ2 test was used to compare the CEUS features of mass-like and non-mass-like enhancement types of MRI-BI-RADS 4 lesions.

RESULTS

There were 167 (167/176) breast lesions detected by ultrasound, with a detection rate of 94.89%, while all were subsequently detected by "second-look" ultrasound combined with CEUS, with a detection rate of 100%. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for ultrasound and CEUS-BI-RADS were 0.810 and 0.940, respectively. The diagnostic efficiency of CEUS-BI-RADS was significantly higher than that of ultrasound alone (z = 3.264, p = 0.001). For both mass-like and non-mass-like enhancement types of MRI-BI-RADS 4 lesions, CEUS-BI-RADS demonstrated satisfactory sensitivity and accuracy. Moreover, 29 (29/176) category 4 lesions were downgraded to 3 by CEUS-BI-RADS.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound combined with CEUS can allow reclassification, reduce biopsy rates, and facilitate pre-surgical localisation for biopsy or surgery for MRI-BI-RADS 4 lesions.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

For MRI-BI-RADS Category 4 lesions with a wide range of malignancies, ultrasound combined with CEUS is a promising diagnostic approach with high clinical utility.

Hospital costs and cosmetic outcome of benign and high-risk breast lesions managed by vacuum-assisted excision versus surgical excision

Objectives:

Although vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) is a safe and effective alternative to surgical excision (SE), the latter is most commonly used for the management of benign and high-risk breast lesions. To evaluate the healthcare benefit of VAE, hospital costs and cosmetic outcome after VAE were compared to SE. Additionally, the impact of VAE implementation on hospital costs was investigated.

Methods:

This was a single-centre retrospective cohort study with two cohorts: “VAE” and “SE”. All patients with a benign or high-risk lesion excised by VAE or SE from January 2016 up to December 2019 were included. Cosmetic outcome was measured with the BCTOS-cosmetic subscale, and hospital costs were presented as mean (SD) and median (IQR).

Results:

During the study period, 258 patients with 295 excised lesions were included. The initial procedure was VAE in 102 patients and SE in 156 patients. Hospital costs after (median € 2324) were significantly lower than before (median € 3,144) implementation of VAE (mean difference € 1,004, p < 0.001), most likely attributable to the lower costs for patients treated with VAE (mean difference € 1,979, p < 0.001). Mean cosmetic outcome was comparable between VAE (median 1.35) and SE (median 1.44, p = 0.802).

Conclusions:

Implementing VAE as an alternative treatment option for benign and high-risk breast lesions resulted in a large decrease in hospital costs but a cosmetic benefit of VAE could not be demonstrated in this retrospective study.

Advances in knowledge:

Costs associated with the complete patient pathway were included and not only VAE was compared to SE but also the before cohort was compared to the after cohort to demonstrate the benefit of VAE implementation in clinical practice. Additionally, cosmetic outcome was compared between VAE and SE using patient reported outcome measures.

Efficacy and Safety of Vacuum-Assisted Excision for Benign Breast Mass Lesion: A Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective: Breast mass lesions are common; however, determining the malignant potential of the lesion can be ambiguous. Recently, to evaluate breast mass lesions, vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) biopsy has been widely used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic role of VAE. Materials and Methods: Relevant articles were obtained by searching PubMed and EMBASE on 3 September 2021. Meta-analyses were performed using odds ratios and proportions. To assess heterogeneity, we conducted a subgroup analysis and meta-regression tests. Results: Finally, 26 studies comprising 18,170 patients were included. All of these were observational studies. The meta-analysis showed that the complete resection rate of VAE was 0.930. In the meta-regression test, there was no significant difference. The meta-analysis showed a recurrence rate of 0.039 in the VAE group. The meta-regression test showed no statistical significance. Postoperative hematoma, pain, and ecchymosis after VAE were 0.092, 0.082, and 0.075, respectively. Conclusion: VAE for benign breast lesions showed favorable outcomes with respect to complete resection and complications. This meta-analysis suggested that VAE for low-risk benign breast lesions is a reasonable option for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Comparison of vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) and breast lesion excision system (BLES) in the treatment of intraductal papillomas

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the feasibility of VAE and BLES in the treatment of intraductal papillomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with a suspected intraductal papilloma who underwent a BLES or a VAE procedure were included in this retrospective study. The BLES procedures were performed between November 2011 and June 2016 and the VAE procedures between May 2018 and September 2020 at the Department of Radiology of Helsinki University Hospital (HUH). The procedures were performed with an intent of complete removal of the lesions.

RESULTS

In total, 72 patients underwent 78 BLES procedures and 95 patients underwent 99 VAE procedures. Altogether 52 (60%) papillomas with or without atypia were completely removed with VAE, whereas 24 (46%) were completely removed with BLES, p = 0.115. The median radiological size of the high-risk lesions completely removed with BLES was 6 mm (4-12 mm), whereas with VAE it was 8 mm (3-22 mm), p = 0.016. Surgery was omitted in 90 (94.7%) non-malignant breast lesions treated with VAE and in 66 (90.4%) treated with BLES, p = 0.368.

CONCLUSION

Both VAE and BLES were feasible in the treatment of intraductal papillomas. In most non-malignant lesions surgery was avoided, but VAE was feasible in larger lesions than BLES. However, follow-up ultrasound was needed more often after VAE. The histopathologic assessment is more reliable after BLES, as the lesion is removed as a single sample.

Surgeon-Performed Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy of the Breast: Results from a Multicentre Australian Study

BACKGROUND

Image-guided interventional techniques such as vacuum-assisted biopsy are being increasingly utilised in the diagnosis and management of breast conditions. The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of a series of vacuum-assisted biopsies and vacuum-assisted excisions performed by specialist breast surgeons in a largely outpatient setting.

METHODS

An Australian multicentre trial of ultrasound-guided surgeon-performed vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) and vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) of breast lesions was conducted involving three surgeons in three participating centres. VAEs were performed for presumed or proven benign breast lesions only.

RESULTS

A total of 225 surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted procedures were undertaken in 197 patients. Of the 225 VAB procedures, 51 (22.7%) were performed as diagnostic cores and 174 (77.3%) were undertaken as core excisions. Of the 174 VAE procedures undertaken with intent of completely excising the lesion, successful excision of the lesion was achieved in 165 of these cases (94.8%), with complete excision being judged by the absence of any lesion seen on ultrasound following the procedure or the absence of the lesion on a subsequent interval ultrasound examination. A total of 199 procedures were performed in the outpatients setting under local anaesthesia, and 26 procedures were performed in an operating theatre setting under neurolept anaesthesia. The average size of lesions was 19.3 mm in the diagnostic core group and 10.6 mm in the core excision group. The average time for either procedure was approximately 14 min.

CONCLUSION

Specialist breast surgeons familiar with ultrasound can be readily upskilled to perform vacuum-assisted procedures safely and expeditiously. VAE represents a minimally invasive method of breast lesion management and is a technique with which breast surgeons should become adept.

Reduced Hospital Costs for Ultrasound-guided Vacuum-assisted Excision Compared with Open Surgery in Patients with Benign Breast Masses and High-risk Lesions

OBJECTIVE

Benign breast masses represent a substantial proportion of breast cancer screening results and may require multiple follow-up visits and biopsy. Even with a preceding benign core biopsy, benign masses have been excised via open surgery for a variety of reasons. This study compared the procedural costs of US-guided vacuum-assisted excision (US-VAE) versus open surgical excisions for benign breast masses and high-risk lesions (HRL).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, female outpatients receiving US-VAE or open excision of benign breast masses between 2015 and 2018 were identified within the Premier Healthcare Database. A secondary analysis was conducted for patients with HRLs. Propensity score matching and multivariate regression adjusted for patient demographics, encounter level covariates, and hospital characteristics. The total procedural costs were reported from a hospital perspective.

RESULTS

A total of 33 724 patients underwent excisions for benign breast masses (8481 US-VAE and 25 242 open surgery). Procedural costs were significantly lower in unmatched patients who received US-VAE ($1350) versus open surgery ($3045) (P < 0.0001). After matching, a total of 5499 discharges were included in each group, with similar findings for US-VAE ($1348) versus open surgery ($3101) (P < 0.0001). A secondary analysis of matched HRL patients (41 discharges in each group) also showed significantly lower procedural costs with US-VAE ($1620) versus open surgery ($3870) (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with benign breast masses or HRLs, US-VAE was associated with significantly lower procedural costs versus open surgery. If excision is performed and expected clinical outcomes are equal, US-VAE is preferable to reduce costs without compromising the quality of care.

Initial Institutional Experience With Cryoablation Therapy for Breast Fibroadenomas: Technique, Molecular Science, and Post-Therapy Imaging Follow-up

Cryoablation is a safe and effective nonsurgical treatment for breast fibroadenomas (FAs). The treatment response is inversely related to the tumor size, with lesions less than 2 cm showing an optimal response. Ultrasound (US) imaging follow-up of the ablated tumor is recommended at 6-month intervals for 2 years at our institution. Although a decrease in the size of the FA clinically and on US imaging is the expected treatment response, variations can be seen. Knowledge of typical US changes over time is imperative to prevent unnecessary rebiopsy or excision in patients who have undergone cryoablation. We will review the initial patient selection criteria, cryoablation technique, and US findings at regular follow-up intervals after cryoablation of FAs through a series of cases treated at our institution.

Feasibility and safety of image-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 000 population from 36 longitudinal studies

Breast cancer is a serious disease in women. We estimated the global technical success rate and complication rates of percutaneous vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were retrieved up to July 2018 to find studies in which technical success rate and complication rates of VABB were available. Pooled rates were calculated according to location mode (ultrasonography [US] or mammography) and needle type (8- or 11-gauge Mammotome probes). Of the 36 articles with 20 868 cases, we found the pooled technical success rate 0.9999(0.9997, 1.0000) (I² = 17.1%, P = .187) and low complication risks including haematoma 0.1092(0.0748, 0.1437) (I² = 98.3%, P < .001), pain 0.0738(0.0334, 0.1141) (I² = 95.9%, P < .001), vasovagal reflex 0.0281(0.0035, 0.0527) (I² = 92.5%, P < .001), and infection 0.0027(-0.0019, 0.0073) (I² = 49.8%, P = .113). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled data suggested that VABB with US or mammography could be promising for diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. Further studies were necessary to identify strategies for these findings.

Minimally Invasive Intact Excision of High-Risk Breast Lesions and Small Breast Cancers: The Intact Percutaneous Excision (IPEX) Registry

BACKGROUND

Aiming to minimize overtreatment of high-risk breast lesions (HRLs), including atypical ductal hyperplasia, and small breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), we investigated a minimally invasive (MI) approach to definitive diagnosis and management of these conditions.

METHODS

In the prospective Intact Percutaneous Excision registry study, women aged 31-86 years had removal of small invasive cancers, DCIS, or HRLs using image-guided 12-20 mm radiofrequency basket capture (MI excision). Second-pass 20 mm basket capture obtained shaved margins in cancer patients. Standard imaging (specimen, breast) and histologic criteria were applied. Patient data were registered in an Institutional Review Board approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant registry.

RESULTS

Of 282 registered patients, 124 had DCIS (n = 52) or invasive cancer (n = 72) and 160 had HRLs. Among cancer patients, 101 (81%) had clear histologic margins [average lesion size was 11 mm for both invasive cancers (4-20 mm) and DCIS (1.5-20 mm)]; 29 patients had re-excision (six despite clear margins). Among 160 HRLs, two were upgraded to DCIS and had MI excision. Two other HRL patients had subsequent standard surgical excision (no cancer found).

CONCLUSION

For diminutive HRLs, DCIS, and invasive cancers, MI excision can achieve the same procedure goals as standard surgical excision. Because MI excision removes less tissue with small incisions, it may reduce the discomfort and expense associated with standard treatment.

Oncoplastic approach to excisional breast biopsies: a randomized controlled, phase 2a trial

BACKGROUND

Oncoplastic surgery has been used in breast cancer patients for better cosmetic outcome over the last decades. The aim of this prospective randomized study is to show its place in excisional breast biopsy.

METHODS

An oncoplastic approach excision was compared with conventional excisional breast biopsies. The study included 80 patients, of whom half received oncoplastic intervention and half received the conventional. The primary endpoint was the cosmetic result. Patient, surgeon and independent observers rated the results on a four-point scale. Scores other than self-perceived were based on third-month medical photographs.

RESULTS

Between May 20, 2015 and April 27, 2016, 40 patients were randomly assigned to oncoplastic biopsy and 40 patients were assigned to conventional excisional biopsy. Median follow-up was 5.6 months (IQR 3.0-6.0). Self-perceived perfect scoring for general cosmetic outcome was found significantly higher after oncoplastic biopsy (73 0.5%) comparing with control group (32.4%) (p = 0.001). This impact did not change after adjusting patients for potential confounders. Margin clearance rates in malignant cases were comparable in both arms (p = 0.999); four patients in oncoplastic biopsy group (40%) and three patients in control group (33%) had positive margins.

CONCLUSIONS

The oncoplastic biopsy achieved better cosmetic results with similar surgical margin positivity rates when compared with conventional breast biopsy. It may be a better biopsy option used for patients requiring excisional breast biopsy.

Analysis of Efficacy and Accuracy of 2 Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy Devices: Mammotome and Elite

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (US-VABB) has recently replaced surgical biopsy as a result of its high diagnostic accuracy and low patient discomfort, and at present it relies mainly on 2 devices, Mammotome and, more recently, Mammotome Elite (Elite). Our purpose was to compare the efficacy of these 2 bioptical devices.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed US-VABB on 195 patients with Mammotome 8G or 11G in 130 patients and Elite 13G in 65 patients. Of these 195 patients, 95 were submitted to surgery for lumpectomy or mastectomy in case of malignant lesions or of lesions of uncertain malignant potential (B5 and B3), while the remaining 100 were strictly monitored clinically and radiologically for 12 to 24 months.

RESULTS

Both the devices showed high absolute sensitivity (96.2% for Mammotome and 83.3% for Elite), complete sensitivity (98.1% for Mammotome and 90.0% for Elite), specificity (92.3% for Mammotome and 94.3% for Elite), and diagnostic accuracy (99.1% for Mammotome and 95% for Elite), thus fulfilling criteria suggested by the European guidelines. Total underestimation rate seemed to be higher in the Elite cohort (14.2%) than in the Mammotome cohort (3.4%) (P = .02). However, none of the patients with a benign diagnosis (B2) presented any event during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

US-VABB is an accurate method for sampling breast lesions. Our study did not show large, statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between the Elite and Mammotome systems, except for a slight increase in diagnostic underestimation of benign pathologies when using the Elite.

Essential steps in bioprinting: From pre- to post-bioprinting

An increasing demand for directed assembly of biomaterials has inspired the development of bioprinting, which facilitates the assembling of both cellular and acellular inks into well-arranged three-dimensional (3D) structures for tissue fabrication. Although great advances have been achieved in the recent decade, there still exist issues to be addressed. Herein, a review has been systematically performed to discuss the considerations in the entire procedure of bioprinting. Though bioprinting is advancing at a rapid pace, it is seen that the whole process of obtaining tissue constructs from this technique involves multiple-stages, cutting across various technology domains. These stages can be divided into three broad categories: pre-bioprinting, bioprinting and post-bioprinting. Each stage can influence others and has a bearing on the performance of fabricated constructs. For example, in pre-bioprinting, tissue biopsy and cell expansion techniques are essential to ensure a large number of cells are available for mass organ production. Similarly, medical imaging is needed to provide high resolution designs, which can be faithfully bioprinted. In the bioprinting stage, compatibility of biomaterials is needed to be matched with solidification kinetics to ensure constructs with high cell viability and fidelity are obtained. On the other hand, there is a need to develop bioprinters, which have high degrees of freedom of movement, perform without failure concerns for several hours and are compact, and affordable. Finally, maturation of bioprinted cells are governed by conditions provided during the post-bioprinting process. This review, for the first time, puts all the bioprinting stages in perspective of the whole process of bioprinting, and analyzes their current state-of-the art. It is concluded that bioprinting community will recognize the relative importance and optimize the parameter of each stage to obtain the desired outcomes.

Breast Cancer Risk Associated With Benign Intraductal Papillomas Initially Diagnosed on Core Needle Biopsy

BACKGROUND

The long-term risk for patients with benign intraductal papillomas (IDPs) on core needle biopsy (CNB) who are not upgraded on excision is not well-defined. The goal of this study was to determine the cumulative breast cancer (BC) incidence for patients with benign IDP on CNB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 152 benign IDPs diagnosed on CNB between 2003 and 2008. Radiology and pathology data were reviewed by breast radiologists and pathologists. Clinical follow-up was obtained from the electronic medical record (Epic).

RESULTS

Excision results were: 96 (63%) not upgraded, 9 (6%) with BC on excision (6 ductal carcinoma in situ, 3 invasive carcinoma), and 5 (3%) lacked correlation with the CNB site. Excision reports were unavailable for 42 (28%). Excluding cases with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 5 or discordant imaging, there were 6 (4%) true upgrades (all ductal carcinoma in situ). After the exclusion of patients with other major risk factors, follow-up was available for 55 of 58 patients with benign IDPs, and 8 (14%) developed BC after a median of 112 months (range, 11-159 months). None of the benign IDP patients without an excision report developed BC after a median of 97 months (range, 5-164 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The upgrade rate for benign IDP diagnosed on CNB was 4%, similar to recent studies. The cumulative BC incidence for those who were not upgraded and who had no history of BC was 14% at a median of 9 years. When combined with patients without an excision pathology report, the overall BC incidence was 9%. The findings support continued breast cancer surveillance in this patient population.

Genetics and genomics of breast fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas of the breast are benign fibroepithelial tumours most frequently encountered in women of reproductive age, although they may be diagnosed at any age. The fibroadenoma comprises a proliferation of both stromal and epithelial components. The mechanisms underlying fibroadenoma pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. In the clinical setting, distinguishing cellular fibroadenomas from benign phyllodes tumours is a common diagnostic challenge due to subjective histopathological criteria and interobserver differences. Recent sequencing studies have demonstrated the presence of highly recurrent mutations in fibroadenomas, and also delineated the genomic landscapes of fibroadenomas and the closely related phyllodes tumours, revealing differences at the gene level, which may be of potential adjunctive diagnostic use. The present article provides an overview of key studies uncovering genetic and genomic abnormalities in fibroadenomas, from initial karyotype reports revealing myriad cytogenetic aberrations to next-generation sequencing-based approaches that led to the discovery of highly recurrent MED12 mutations. A thorough understanding of these abnormalities is important to further elucidate the mechanisms by which fibroadenomas arise and to refine diagnostic assessment of this very common tumour.

Advances in breast intervention: where are we now and where should we be?

In the past four decades, a variety of methods for minimal or non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have been introduced. Although breast imaging has become more and more specific for diagnosis, specimen biopsy with histopathological confirmation is still necessary. Core-needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance is the appropriate first choice for the diagnosis of most lesions. Fine-needle aspiration is of interest for identification of the presence of metastatic disease in abnormal lymph nodes. For microcalcifications, vacuum-assisted biopsy is recommended, especially with stereotactic guidance. In recent years different therapeutic techniques have been developed for the treatment of solid lesions, including breast cancer. Certainly, with the improvement of technology and medical scientific progress, it is becoming more common to use minimal- or non-invasive therapies. The proposed minimally invasive techniques may offer complete treatment of breast cancer, with better cosmetic results, less psychological stress, and shorter hospital stays. In this article, the strengths and weaknesses of the different diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are presented, and promising techniques for the future are discussed.

The role of ultrasound in the management of breast disease

Surgeon‐performed ultrasound has also been increasingly utilised by breast surgeons in particular, who find ultrasound an invaluable tool in the office to assist in the management of breast patients, and also in the operating room where it can be used to directly guide excision of impalpable breast lesions without the use of hookwires^2,3. In the future, the role of ultrasound will continue to grow, particularly with the advent of 3‐D ultrasound, and in the evolving area of breast lesion ablation techniques using modalities such as radiofrequency ablation or laser therapy. Ultrasound is a very important tool in the assessment and management of breast disease and it has dramatically changed the way breast cancer patients are managed.

Use of simulators to explore specialty recommendation for a palpable breast mass

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate recommendation patterns of different specialties for the work-up of a palpable breast mass using simulated scenarios and clinical breast examination models.

METHODS

Study participants were a convenience sample of physicians (n = 318) attending annual surgical, family practice, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) conferences. Two different silicone-based breast models (superficial mass vs chest wall mass) were used to test clinical breast examination skills and recommendation patterns (imaging, tissue sampling, and follow-up).

RESULTS

Participants were more likely to recommend mammography (P < .001) and core biopsy (P < .0001) and less likely to recommend needle aspiration (P < .043) and 1-month follow-up (P < .001) for the chest wall mass compared with the superficial mass. Family practitioners were less likely to recommend ultrasound (P < .001) and obstetrics and gynecologists were less likely to recommend mammogram (P < .006) across models. Surgeons were more likely to recommend core biopsy and less likely to recommend needle aspiration across models (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendation patterns differed across the 2 models in line with existing practice guidelines. Additionally, differences in practice patterns between primary care and specialty providers may represent varying clinician capabilities, healthcare resources, and individual preferences. Our work shows that simulation may be used to track adherence to practice guidelines for breast masses.

Phyllodes tumor diagnosed after ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision: should it be followed by surgical excision?

Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate the results of ultrasound (US)-guided vacuum-assisted excision (US-VAE) of phyllodes tumors (PTs). A total of 41 PTs diagnosed at US-VAE followed by surgery (n = 27) or at least 2 y of US monitoring (n = 14) were included. By comparison of US-VAE pathology with surgical histology or follow-up US results, cases were divided into upgraded (malignant) and non-upgraded (benign) groups. These two groups were compared with respect to clinical, procedural and US features. Among 27 surgical cases, 2 (8.7%) of 23 benign PTs were upgraded to malignant PTs. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category was retrospectively assigned as 4a (50%) or 4b (50%) in the upgraded group (n = 2) and 3 (64%) or 4a (36%) in the non-upgraded group (n = 39) (p = 0.018). Residual tumor was observed at the site of US-VAE in 15 of 27 surgical cases and 0 of 14 US follow-up cases (36.6%, 15/41). Given the rates of upgrade to malignancy (8.7%) and residual tumor (36.6%), PTs diagnosed after US-VAE should be surgically excised.

Nonsurgical management of fibroadenoma and virginal breast hypertrophy

The management and treatment of an adolescent presenting with a fibroadenoma or virginal breast hypertrophy can be challenging as there is a paucity of original research on these conditions. Although surgical therapies are often discussed as first-line therapy in adolescents presenting with a breast mass, it is prudent that nonsurgical interventions and medical therapies be considered as initial therapy with the goal of maintaining an acceptable cosmetic outcome.

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy under ultrasonographic guidance: analysis of a 10-year experience

PURPOSE

To determine the indications and the diagnostic accuracy of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) under ultrasonographic (US) guidance based on a 10-year period of clinical use.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 2,920 breast lesions in 2,477 consecutive patients who underwent US-guided VABB between February 2002 and December 2011. The proportions of each indication for VABB were analyzed as well as the trend of its use over divided time periods. Histopathological diagnosis and the malignancy rate of the lesions with VABB were analyzed. A comparison of the pathological diagnosis of VABB and the gold standard diagnosis revealed the false negative rate, the underestimation rate, and the agreement rate.

RESULTS

Palpable lesions (44.4%), low-suspicion lesions (15.7%), high-risk lesions (12.4%), and calcifications (10.3%) were the most common indications for US-guided VABB. The malignancy rate of lesions submitted to VABB was 5.4%. The false negative rate was only 0.1%, while the underestimation rate of high-risk lesions and ductal carcinoma in situ was 3.1% and 13.8%, respectively, with a 98.7% agreement rate. Among 1,512 therapeutic VABB cases, 84.9% showed no residual or recurrent lesions on long term follow-up US for more than a year. Complications occurred in 1% of the patients without need for surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

US-guided VABB is an accurate and safe method that can help decision-making in the diagnostic process and can be an alternative for excisional surgery in some therapeutic circumstances.

Mammotome® biopsy system for the resection of breast lesions: Clinical experience in two high-volume teaching hospitals

Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) is regarded as a feasible, effective, minimally invasive and safe method for the removal of benign breast lesions, without the occurrence of serious complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided VABB using the Mammotome^® biopsy system in the treatment of breast lesions. The clinical outcomes of 3,681 patients with breast lesions were evaluated following excisions by ultrasound-guided VABB in two high-volume teaching hospitals. From January 2008 to December 2012, a total of 4,867 ultrasound-guided VABB procedures were performed in the 3,681 patients, who had a mean age of 37.8 years (range, 16-73 years). The parameters examined in this analysis included lesion size, lesion location in the inner breast, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) ultrasound category and histopathological diagnosis. Ultrasonography follow-up was performed at 3-6 month intervals in order to assess recurrence. The size of the investigated lesions ranged between 6 and 62 mm and a histopathological diagnosis was made in 100% of cases. The results indicated that the majority of specimens (98.89%) were benign. On average, the ultrasound-guided VABB was performed in 10.3 min (range, 7.5-43 min) and the mean number of cores removed in the procedure was 8.1 (range, 3-32). A complete excision was achieved in the majority of cases (99.7%). The presence of a hematoma was the most common complication following the biopsy, and was observed in 27.5% of patients. The mean follow-up period was 25.5 months (range, 1-60 months), during which the rate of recurrence was 4.4%. The results indicated that ultrasound-guided VABB using the Mammotome biopsy system is an effective and safe procedure that is able to rapidly remove the majority of benign breast lesions using a small incision and without the occurrence of scarring or complications.

Mammotome biopsy under ultrasound control in the diagnostics and treatment of nodular breast lesions - own experience

Mammotome biopsy is an effective, minimally invasive, novel technique used in the verification of breast lesions.The aim of the study was to assess the value of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy (mammotome biopsy) in the diagnostics and treatment of nodular breast lesions, considering own data.Material and methods. Analysis comprised 1183 mammotome biopsies under ultrasound control performed in 1177 female patients during the period between 2000 and 2010, at the Regional Clinic for Early Diagnostics and Treatment of Breast Lesions, I Chair and Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum.Results. The average patient age amounted to 41.7 years. The size of the investigated lesions ranged between 4 and 65 mm (mean - 12 mm). The histopathological examination result was as follows: fibrocystic lesions (n=285), adenofibroma (n=477), adenosis sclerosans (n=188), hyperplasia without atypy (n=58), phyllode tumor (n=2), papilloma (n=14), hamartoma (n=1), atypical hyperplasia (n=25), in situ ductal carcinoma (n=4), in situ lobular carcinoma (n=5), infiltrating ductal carcinoma (n=114), infiltrating lobular carcinoma (n=4), non-diagnostic result (n=6). The histopathological diagnosis was obtained in 99.5% of cases. Patients diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia or cancer were qualified for surgery, according to accepted standards. The presence of a hematoma was the most common complication after the biopsy, observed in 16.5% of patients.Conclusions. The obtained results confirmed the high value of ultrasound-guided biopsies in the diagnostics of nodular breast lesions. The method is safe, minimally invasive, with few complications, providing a good cosmetic effect. In case of benign lesions with a diameter of less than 15 mm the mammotome biopsy enables to completely excise the lesions, being an alternative to open surgical biopsies. The mammotome biopsy should become the method of choice considering the diagnostics of nodular breast lesions.

Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted core biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of focal lesions of the breast - own experience

Introduction

Vacuum-assisted core biopsy (VACB) guided by ultrasound is a minimally invasive method used in diagnosis and treatment of breast focal lesions. Vacuum-assisted core biopsy is an interesting minimally invasive alternative to open surgical biopsy.

Aim

To assess the value of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted core biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of breast focal lesions.

Material and methods

In the period 2009-2010, 397 ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted core biopsies were performed. Mean age of the patients was 41.7 years (18-92 years), and size of the lesions ranged from 3 mm to 65 mm, mean size being 12 mm. All women with diagnosed atypical ductal hyperplasia or cancer were qualified for surgery. The patients with histopathologically benign lesions were under follow-up.

Results

Samples sufficient for histopathological examination were obtained from 394 cases (99.2%). Of all 397 lesions, 293 (73.7%) were diagnosed as benign, there were 6 (1.6%) cases of atypical ductal hyperplasia and 98 (24.7%) malignant lesions. Three hundred and sixty-nine lesions were below 15 mm in diameter, of which 339 (91.9%) were totally removed during the VACB.

Conclusions

The results obtained confirm high efficiency of ultrasound-guided VACB in the differential diagnosis of breast focal lesions, including impalpable ones. It is a safe method with a low complication rate. In the case of benign lesions with a diameter not exceeding 15 mm, it allows one to excise the whole lesion and is a very good alternative to an open surgical biopsy. Vacuum-assisted core biopsy should be a standard and the method of choice in diagnosing breast lesions.

Percutaneous Excision: A Viable Alternative to Manage Benign Breast Lesions

Objective

Benign breast masses, such as fibroadenomas, are common, and their management is variable, depending on symptoms and patient concerns. We undertook this study to determine the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of percutaneous excision of benign breast masses by using a hand-held vacuum-assisted device.

Methods

By using sonographic guidance, percutaneous removal was performed in 40 patients with 42 lesions by using a 9-gauge ( n = 13) or 12-gauge ( n = 29) probe (ATEC; Suros Surgical). Technical success, procedural complications, and patient experience were recorded at the time of excision and at 48 hours. Clinical, imaging, and/or surgical follow-up was obtained for 39 of 42 lesions (93%). Three of 42 lesions (7%) were lost to follow-up.

Results

Of 42 lesions, maximal diameters ranged from 0.6–4.0 cm (mean 1.6 cm), with lesion volumes between 0.05 and 11.2 mL (mean [SD] 1.4 ± 2.1 mL, median 7 mL). The procedure was well tolerated by all patients, and no residual mass was visible in any case at the conclusion of the procedure. All the patients preferred this approach to open surgical biopsy. After percutaneous excision, surgery was performed on 3 of 42 lesions (7%) for atypia ( n = 2) or malignancy ( n = 1), with a residual mass found only for the malignant case. Of the 26 of 42 lesions (62%) with imaging follow-up, 24 (92%) had no lesion recurrence. Overall, the procedure either completely removed the mass and/or relieved the patient's symptoms of a mass in 36 of 39 lesions (92%) for which clinical, imaging, and/or surgical follow-up was available. Three lesions were lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous excision of benign breast masses is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated minimally invasive procedure for the diagnosis and removal of benign breast masses. It may serve as an alternative to surgical excision for women with a known benign or probably benign breast mass who desire excision but prefer to avoid surgery or who are poor surgical candidates.

Potential application of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision (US-VAE) for well-selected intraductal papillomas of the breast: single-institutional experiences

BACKGROUND

The study objective was to evaluate our experiences of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision (US-VAE) of benign intraductal papillomas, and to discuss its potential application as a minimally invasive treatment

METHODS

We reviewed the sonographic and histologic features of 29 benign intraductal papillomas removed by US-VAE. The procedure was recommended on the basis of our indications. For validation of selection criteria, the sonographic and pathologic characteristics of surgically excised 94 papillary lesions during the same period were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of the lesions was 9.8 mm (range 5-15 mm). There was no mass that abutted the skin or pectoralis muscle and extended the branching ducts. All lesions were category 3 or category 4a. The pathologic diagnoses of all removed masses were benign. Local recurrence was observed in one patient. According to the validation study, papillary lesions less than 1.5 cm of category 3 or 4a were mostly reported to be benign (95.9%, 47 of 49).

CONCLUSIONS

US-VAE may be a useful alternative to surgical excision in well-selected benign intraductal papillomas.

US-guided vacuum-assisted percutaneous excision for management of benign papilloma without atypia diagnosed at US-guided 14-gauge core needle biopsy

PURPOSE

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (US)-guided vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) for the postbiopsy management of benign papilloma without atypia after US-guided 14-gauge core needle biopsy (CNB).

METHODS

This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective study, with a waiver of informed consent. After a review of the histologic results and postbiopsy management of US-guided CNB performed from January 2007 through April 2009, 122 benign papillomas without atypia were diagnosed at CNB and excised percutaneously with US-guided VAE. Among them, a total of 67 papillomas having surgical excision (n = 5) or at least 2 years' US follow-up (n = 62) after VAE were enrolled onto this study. We reviewed the medical records, US findings, and pathologic results obtained before and after VAE. Over the follow-up period, whether any malignancy at the site of the VAE was diagnosed was evaluated.

RESULTS

The pathologic results of 67 VAEs were benign in 63 (94%) and atypical in four (6%). None of 63 benign lesions proved to be malignant after surgical excision (n = 1) or US follow-up (n = 62). Of four atypical lesions, however, one was upgraded to ductal carcinoma-in-situ (25%) after surgical excision. Of 62 benign VAE results having US follow-up, 56 (90.3%) showed no residual lesion at the site of the VAE.

CONCLUSIONS

For the postbiopsy management of benign papilloma without atypia after US-guided CNB, US-guided VAE was accurate and could be alternative to surgery. In cases of diagnosis of atypical lesion at VAE, however, surgery should be performed for a definitive diagnosis.

Ultrasound-guided diagnostic breast biopsy methodology: retrospective comparison of the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy approach versus the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy approach

Background

Ultrasound-guided diagnostic breast biopsy technology represents the current standard of care for the evaluation of indeterminate and suspicious lesions seen on diagnostic breast ultrasound. Yet, there remains much debate as to which particular method of ultrasound-guided diagnostic breast biopsy provides the most accurate and optimal diagnostic information. The aim of the current study was to compare and contrast the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy approach and the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy approach.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was done of all ultrasound-guided diagnostic breast biopsy procedures performed by either the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy approach or the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy approach by a single surgeon from July 2001 through June 2009.

Results

Among 1443 ultrasound-guided diagnostic breast biopsy procedures performed, 724 (50.2%) were by the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy technique and 719 (49.8%) were by the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy technique. The total number of false negative cases (i.e., benign findings instead of invasive breast carcinoma) was significantly greater (P = 0.008) in the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy group (8/681, 1.2%) as compared to in the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy group (0/652, 0%), with an overall false negative rate of 2.1% (8/386) for the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy group as compared to 0% (0/148) for the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy group. Significantly more (P < 0.001) patients in the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy group (81/719, 11.3%) than in the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy group (18/724, 2.5%) were recommended for further diagnostic surgical removal of additional tissue from the same anatomical site of the affected breast in an immediate fashion for indeterminate/inconclusive findings seen on the original ultrasound-guided diagnostic breast biopsy procedure. Significantly more (P < 0.001) patients in the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy group (54/719, 7.5%) than in the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy group (9/724, 1.2%) personally requested further diagnostic surgical removal of additional tissue from the same anatomical site of the affected breast in an immediate fashion for a benign finding seen on the original ultrasound-guided diagnostic breast biopsy procedure.

Conclusions

In appropriately selected cases, the 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy approach appears to be advantageous to the spring-loaded 14-gauge core biopsy approach for providing the most accurate and optimal diagnostic information.

Lateral decubitus positioning stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with true lateral mammography

Stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VAB) has been used to evaluate microcalcifications or non-palpable breast lesions on mammography. Although stereotactic VAB is usually performed in a prone or upright position, an expensive prone table is necessary and vasovagal reactions often occur during the procedure. For these reasons, the lateral decubitus position can be applied for stereotactic VAB, and true lateral mammography can be used to detect the lesion. We report on 15 cases of lateral decubitus positioning for stereotactic VAB with true lateral mammography for non-palpable breast lesions or microcalcifications. The mean procedure time was approximately 30.1 minutes, and no complications occurred during the procedures. Fourteen cases had benign breast lesions and one case had a ductal carcinoma in situ. The lateral decubitus stereotactic VAB with true lateral mammography can be applied for microcalcifications or non-palpable breast lesions and helps to minimize anxiety and vasovagal reactions in patients.

The current role of vacuum assisted breast biopsy system in breast disease

The gold standard for breast biopsy procedures is currently an open excision of the suspected lesion. However, an excisional biopsy inevitably makes a scar. The cost and morbidity associated with this procedure has prompted many physicians to evaluate less invasive, alternative procedures. More recently, image-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsy has become a frequently used method for diagnosing palpable and non-palpable breast lesions. Although sensitivity rates for core-needle biopsy are high, it has the disadvantage of histological underestimation, which renders the management of atypical ductal hyperplasia, papillary lesions, and fibroepithelial lesions somewhat difficult. Vacuum assisted breast biopsy (VABB) was developed to overcome some of these negative aspects of core-needle biopsy. VABB allows for a sufficient specimen to be obtained with a single insertion and can provide a more accurate diagnosis and completely remove the lesion under real-time ultrasonic guidance. The advantage of complete lesion removal with VABB is to reduce or eliminate sampling error, to decrease the likelihood of a histological underestimation, to decrease imaging-histological discordance, to decrease the re-biopsy rate, and to diminish the likelihood of subsequent growth on follow-up. In recent years, with the advancement of VABB instruments and techniques, many outcome studies have reported on the use of VABB for resecting benign breast lesions with a curative intent. VABB is highly accurate for diagnosing suspicious breast lesions and is highly successful at treating presumed benign breast lesions. Thus, in the near future, VABB will be routinely offered to all appropriately selected patients.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of Chinese patients with BRCA related breast cancer

Breast cancers related to BRCA mutations are associated with particular biological features. Here we report the clinical and pathological characteristics of breast cancer in Chinese women with and without BRCA mutations and of carriers of BRCA1 mutations compared to BRCA2 mutations. Two hundred and 26 high-risk Hong Kong Chinese women were tested for BRCA mutations, medical information was obtained from medical records, and risk and demographic information was obtained from personal interviews. In this cohort, 28 (12.4%) women were BRCA mutation carriers and among these carriers, 39.3% were BRCA1 and 60.7% were BRCA2 mutations. Mutation carriers were more likely to have a familial history of breast and ovarian cancer, high-grade cancers, and triple negative (TN) cancers. Prevalence of TN was 48.3% in BRCA carriers and 25.6% in non-carriers and was 67.7% in BRCA1 and 35.3% in BRCA2 carriers. Estrogen receptor (ER) negative cancer was significantly associated with BRCA1 mutations, especially in those under 40 years of age. BRCA-related breast cancer in this Chinese population is associated with family history and adverse pathological/prognostic features, with BRCA2 mutations being more prevalent but BRCA1 carriers having more aggressive and TN cancers. Compared to Caucasian populations, prevalence of BRCA2 mutations and TN cancer in BRCA2 mutation carriers in Chinese population are elevated.

Ultrasonographically guided vacuum-assisted excision for multiple breast masses: non-randomized comparison with conventional open excision

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of ultrasonographically guided vacuum-assisted excision (UGVAE) for multiple breast masses.

METHODS

Ninety-eight patients with low-risk multiple breast masses were non-randomized to either UGVAE or conventional open excision (COE). Clinical data were prospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The two groups were similar with age, side predilection, size and number of lesions. Forty-seven patients had UGVAE with 8-gauge probe and 15 patients with 11-gauge probe. All lesions were removed through same incision. Patients both in UGVAE and COE had complete removal of all imaged evidence of the masses by ultrasonography on initial follow-up. The majority of excised lesions were fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes. The overall complication rate was 8.1% in UGVAE group and 5.6% in COE group. Patients treated with UGVAE were more highly satisfied with the cosmetic aspects as compared patients with COE. The postprocedure incomplete removal rate was slightly higher in UGVAE than in COE with 12-month follow-up, but the overall difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Both seem to be equally safe and effective, but UGVAE has certain advantages, that include minimal residual scar, excellent cosmesis outstanding, offering an useful alternative to the excision of low-risk multiple benign masses.

Analysis of false-negative results after US-guided 14-gauge core needle breast biopsy

OBJECTIVES

To determine the false-negative rate and to evaluate the clinical, radiologic or histologic features of false-negative results at ultrasound (US)-guided 14-gauge core needle biopsy (CNB).

METHODS

A total of 3,724 masses from 3,308 women who had undergone US-guided 14-gauge CNB and who had a rebiopsy or at least 2 years' follow-up were included. The histology of CNB was correlated with the rebiopsy or long-term imaging follow-up. In cases of missed cancer, the time interval between CNB and rebiopsy, the reasons for rebiopsy, and the procedural or lesion characteristics were analysed.

RESULTS

Of 1,706 benign CNBs, 50 additional malignancies were found at excision (false-negative rate, 2.5% of 1,982 with a final diagnosis of malignancy). Of 50 false negatives, 41 were found immediately of which 28 had rebiopsy because of imaging-histological discordance. Regarding the frequency of malignancy according to the reasons for rebiopsy, suspicious imaging finding (24%) showed significantly higher frequency than suspicious clinical findings or request (1%). Regarding the characteristics except invasiveness, no significant differences in false-negative rates were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Most false negatives were found immediately and imaging-histological discordance was the most important clue. Careful correlation of clinical, radiological and histological results as well as appropriate follow-up is essential.

Mammotome versus ATEC: a comparison of two breast vacuum biopsy techniques under sonographic guidance

PURPOSE

The study evaluates the differences between the Mammotome (MT) and ATEC (A) vacuum biopsy (VB) of the breast in terms of diagnostic reliability, biopsy duration and complications.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized study, 62 ultrasound-guided VBs of the breast were performed. MT and A were compared using Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The mean lesion size and the BI-RADS distribution were equal in both groups. Representative tissue was extracted in all 62 biopsies; thus no repeat biopsies were necessary. A sonographically guided complete excision was possible in 46 cases. More imaging-guided complete excisions were achieved with the MT than with A (87 vs. 63%). Technical complications occurred twice with A and once with MT. No medical complications occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both systems are suitable for the diagnostic clarification of unclear breast lesions as well as complete excision of benign lesions under sonographic imaging. Sonographically guided complete resection was achieved more often with the MT.

Upright stereotactic vacuum-assisted needle biopsy of suspicious breast microcalcifications

Stereotactic core needle biopsy is a useful technique for evaluation of suspicious breast microcalcifications. The development of the 11-G vacuum-assisted biopsy system offers another method of minimally invasive biopsy carried out on a conventional mammography unit. We evaluate its usefulness, efficacy and safety in Asian women. Vacuum-assisted biopsy was carried out through the lateral approach using an add-on stereotactic device attached to a mammography unit. One hundred and five lesions were sampled in 97 patients. Excisional biopsy was subsequently Carried out for diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia or carcinoma in high-risk patients. Patients with benign diagnosis underwent mammographic follow up. The technical success rate was 97%. An average of 13.5 tissue cores were retrieved for each lesion. The histopathological result obtained from mammotome was benign in 84.8% and malignant in 15.2%. The benign microcalcifications were predominantly fibrocystic change (n = 42) whereas the malignant microcalcifications included ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 15) and invasive carcinoma (n = 1). Twenty-two patients underwent subsequent open surgical biopsy but no underestimation of disease was seen. Only two patients had vasovagal syncope and three others felt unwell during the biopsy. Nine patients had small haematomas, which resolved spontaneously. Vacuum-assisted biopsy carried out on an upright stereotactic mammography unit is a safe and effective method for evaluation of suspicious microcalcifications.

Minimally invasive technology in the management of breast disease

Minimally invasive surgery is gaining popularity around the world because it achieves the same or even superior results when compared to standard surgery but with less morbidity. Minimally invasive breast surgery is a broad concept encompassing new developments in the field of breast surgery that work on this minimally invasive principle. In this regard, breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy are good illustrations of this concept. There are three major areas of progress in the minimally invasive management of breast disease. First, percutaneous excisional devices are now available that can replace the surgical excision of breast mass lesions. Second, various ablative treatments are capable of destroying breast cancers in situ instead of surgical excision. Third, mammary ductoscopy provides a new approach to the investigation of mammary duct pathology. Clinical experience and potential applications of these new technologies are reviewed.

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: a comparison of 11-gauge and 8-gauge needles in benign breast disease

Background

Minimal invasive breast biopsy is standard care for the diagnosis of suspicious breast lesions. There are different vacuum biopsy (VB) systems in use. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the 8-gauge and the 11-gauge needle with respect to a) diagnostic reliability, b) complication rate and c) subjective perception of pain when used for vacuum-assisted breast biopsy.

Methods

Between 01/2000 and 09/2004, 923 patients at St. Josefs-Hospital Wiesbaden underwent VB using the Mammotome^® (Ethicon Endosurgery, Hamburg). Depending on preoperative detection, the procedure was performed under sonographic or mammographic guidance under local anaesthesia. All patients included in the study were followed up both clinically and using imaging techniques one week after the VB and a second time after a median of 41 months. Excisional biopsy on the ipsilateral breast was an exclusion criteria. Subjective pain scores were recorded on a scale of 0 – 10 (0 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain). The mean age of the patients was 53 years (30 – 88).

Results

123 patients were included in the study in total. 48 patients were biopsied with the 8-gauge needle and 75 with the 11-gauge needle. The use of the 8-gauge needle did not show any significant differences to the 11-gauge needle with regard to diagnostic reliability, complication rate and subjective perception of pain.

Conclusion

Our data show that there are no relevant differences between the 8-gauge and 11-gauge needle when used for VB. Under sonographic guidance, the use of the 8-gauge needle is recommended for firm breast tissue due to its sharp scalpel point and especially for complete removal of benign lesions. We did not find any advantages in the use of the larger 8-gauge needle compared to the 11-gauge needle in the mammography setting. The utilisation costs of the 8-gauge needle are somewhat higher.

Accuracy of ultrasound-guided, large-core needle breast biopsy

Ultrasound-guided, large-core needle biopsy (US-LCNB) of suspicious breast lesions is acknowledged as less invasive and less expensive and less time consuming than surgical biopsy, and provides a histologic diagnosis with a comparable high degree. US-LCNB has been proven to help reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries for benign disease. Its limitations, however, are false-negative results and underestimation of disease. Thus, the demand for breast teams is to carefully adhere to the principles of triple assessment and imaging-histologic correlation, and follow-up of lesions with a specific benign histology after biopsy. Also, the acceptance of guidelines and rigorous quality controls help to reliably minimize the delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with false-negative biopsies. This paper aims to summarize the equipment and methods as well as the benefits and limitations of US-LCNB. Also, guidelines of quality assessment are suggested. Finally, recent developments which may help to overcome the limitations of US-LCNB will be discussed, i.e., directional vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), three-dimensional (3D) US-guided biopsy, as well as the use of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and compound imaging (CI) during biopsy.