[Vacuum punch biopsy of the breast with a stereotaxic guide. A new procedure for percutaneous diagnostic biopsy based on 120 cases].

PURPOSE: To test the capabilities of vacuum core biopsy (VCB) in the diagnosis of mammographically indeterminate lesions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

120 patients (131 lesions) were examined using VCB with 14G or 11G vacuum core.

RESULTS

VCB was mostly performed because of indeterminate microcalcifications (67 cases) or soft tissue densities/architectural distortion (64 cases). 112 benign changes, 14 DCIS and 5 invasive carcinomas were found. Excellent accuracy was achieved (presently 100%), since complete excision of small lesions/areas (< or = 1 cm) or partial excision of larger lesions was possible. No relevant hematomas or infections occurred. Patients tolerated the painless procedure very well.

DISCUSSION: This report confirms our previous experiences. This method promises to replace diagnostic open biopsy of indeterminate or suspicious nonpalpable lesions.