Modern Mammographic Guided Biopsy Improves Results for Thin-Breasted Women

Taiwan: A new study published in the Asian Journal of Surgery has found that modern mammographic guiding vacuum-assist breast biopsy (MG-VABB) has improved the diagnostic accuracy for women with compressed thin breasts, who traditionally present technical challenges for biopsy procedures.

The researchers of the study aimed to test the performance of MG-VABB on suspected microcalcifications detected by modern mammography.

The study, conducted at a hospital from February 2019 to January 2021, retrospectively reviewed 745 consecutive patients who received a biopsy because of suspicious microcalcifications discovered by mammography and had at least one-year post-biopsy follow-up. The study reviewed 745 consecutive patients, with 195 having compressed thin breasts ≦ 3 cm.

The study concluded with the following clinical findings:

1. Of the 191 patients who received a biopsy due to suspicious microcalcifications found on mammography, the microcalcification retrieval rate was 97.9%.

2. The half-open notch biopsy or horizontal needle approach achieved technical success in 30.4% and 9.4% of patients, respectively.

3. The cancer sensitivity was 88.46% and the atypia upgrade rate was 16.67% according to surgical-histology.

4. There was no significant difference in the procedure time between stereotactic-guided and tomosynthesis-guided biopsies.

“The diagnosis of suspicious microcalcifications discovered by mammography is important for the management of breast cancer. This study provides important information for clinicians and researchers working to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.” added the researchers of the study.

The study highlights the need for continued research into new and improved techniques for biopsy procedures, particularly for patients with compressed thin breasts. By improving the accuracy of diagnosis, clinicians can better tailor treatment plans to meet the individual needs of patients, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives.

Reference:

Yeow Y., Yu C., Cheung Y., Chen S.; A cohort study of mammography-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy in patients with compressed thin breasts (≦ 3 cm), Asian Journal of Surgery, 2023; doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.04.074