MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsies.

The indications, technique, results and limitations of MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsies are discussed from a review of the literature. This was initially a home-grown technique and its development was slowed down by several factors. As a result of major technical advances, it has become a reliable and very consistent procedure with a low rate of underestimation.

Interventional radiology: the corner-stone of breast management.

There has been considerable progress in recent years in both diagnostic and interventional breast imaging. Percutaneous procedures improve multidisciplinary management and provide patients with better information. Biopsies allow precise and accurate diagnosis avoiding repeated examinations causing the patient anxiety and unnecessary surgical procedures.

[Management of non malignant papillary lesions diagnosed on percutaneous biopsy].

Purpose: To assess the reliability of percutaneous breast biopsies in diagnosing and managing non malignant papillary lesions and determine if subsequent excision must be systematic. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Retrospective review of 2233 breast biopsies over a 43 months period (September 2001 to March 2005): sonographically guided core biopsies (n = 836), ultrasound (n = 346) or stereotactic (n:1051) guided vacuum biopsies.

[Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy: review of 382 cases].

Purpose: To evaluate the use of US-guided vacuum biopsy for diagnosis and treatment of probably benign breast masses.

Materials And Method: Retrospective review of 382 US guided vacuum biopsies over a 44 months period (september 2001 to may 2005) with the 11-g handheld mammotome. A total of 308 benign tumors, 59 borderline lesions and 15 carcinomas were diagnosed.

[Underestimation of breast carcinoma with 11-gauge stereotactically guided directional vacuum-assisted biopsy].

Purpose: To assess the reliability of vacuum-assisted biopsy in diagnosing and managing atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.

Materials And Method: Retrospective review of 2130 stereotactic large-core biopsies in 1638 patients over a 40 month period (January 2000 to May 2003) using the mammotome 11-gauge and a dedicated Fischer table. A total of 135 cases of atypical ductal hyperplasia and 322 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ were diagnosed.