Smaller Needle Found Effective for Breast Biopsy

A study has shown that a 14-gauge needle biopsy guided by real-time ultrasound is more than 99% accurate in diagnosing breast cancer, while offering an easy, fast, and inexpensive biopsy.

The study involved 700 patients who had suspicious masses found on ultrasound. Each had a biopsy with a 14-gauge automated needle. An average of five core samples was taken from each lesion biopsied. Results revealed 196 cancers, of which 193 were proven by subsequent surgical pathology. The other three lesions proved to be other types of cancer or a tiny focus of ductal carcinoma in situ.

In addition, the 14-gauge needle biopsies indicated that 504 of the suspicious masses were benign. Follow-up radiation and pathology showed that nine of these were discordant with imaging findings, and the patients had further surgery. The remaining patients have been followed for at least two years and to date none has developed cancer at the site of the original biopsy.

"Many physicians are wondering if there is a need to use a larger 8, 11, or 12-gauge needle in order to get enough tissue for an accurate breast diagnosis,” said Dr. Richard Chesbrough, senior staff physician at Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI, USA). "This study shows us that less is really more. Patients don't have to sacrifice accuracy by having a less-invasive biopsy when you have the ability to see the biopsy performed under real-time ultrasound.” The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) in San Diego (CA, USA).




Related Links:
Henry Ford Hospital