Our Summary

This study compared two different biopsy methods used to diagnose breast cancer: 16-gauge spring-loaded core needle biopsy (CNB) and 12-gauge spring-loaded vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). It looked at 500 breast lesions in 453 patients, and found that VAB was more successful in accurately diagnosing cancer compared to CNB (72.4% success rate for VAB vs 61.9% for CNB). VAB was also used more frequently for non-mass lesions (areas that don’t form a lump but still may be cancerous). There was a higher rate of a biopsy initially identified as high-risk being upgraded to a cancer diagnosis with CNB compared to VAB. Despite more failed samples and re-biopsies with CNB, the difference was not statistically significant. The results suggest that VAB might be more appropriate for biopsying non-mass lesions.

FAQs

  1. What were the two biopsy methods compared in the study for diagnosing breast cancer?
  2. Which biopsy method was found to be more successful in accurately diagnosing cancer?
  3. What type of lesions was the vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) more frequently used for?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing a breast biopsy that a vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) may be more successful in accurately diagnosing cancer compared to a core needle biopsy (CNB). VAB is especially recommended for non-mass lesions, as it has a higher success rate in accurately diagnosing cancer in these cases. Additionally, VAB may result in fewer failed samples and re-biopsies compared to CNB. It is important for patients to discuss with their doctor which biopsy method is most appropriate for their specific situation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast biopsy include those with suspicious findings on a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, such as a lump or mass in the breast, changes in breast tissue, or abnormal nipple discharge. Additionally, patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), or previous abnormal breast biopsy results may also be recommended for a breast biopsy.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient notices a lump or abnormality in their breast during a self-exam or routine screening.
  2. Patient consults with their healthcare provider, who recommends a biopsy to further evaluate the abnormality.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI to locate the suspicious area.
  4. Patient discusses the biopsy procedure with their healthcare provider and gives consent for the procedure.

During the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient arrives at the medical facility where the biopsy will be performed.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area of the breast where the biopsy will be done.
  3. The healthcare provider uses a needle or other tool to extract tissue samples from the suspicious area of the breast.
  4. The tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for analysis.

After the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience mild discomfort or pain at the biopsy site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  2. Patient receives instructions on how to care for the biopsy site and any restrictions on activities.
  3. Patient waits for the pathology report to determine if the tissue samples are cancerous or benign.
  4. If cancer is diagnosed, patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider and begins appropriate treatment. If the biopsy is benign, patient may require follow-up imaging or monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy method will be used for my breast biopsy?
  2. What is the success rate of accurately diagnosing cancer with the chosen biopsy method?
  3. Are there any specific risks or complications associated with the chosen biopsy method?
  4. How many samples will be taken during the biopsy procedure?
  5. Will I need to undergo additional testing or procedures after the biopsy?
  6. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy?
  7. What are the chances of the biopsy initially identified as high-risk being upgraded to a cancer diagnosis?
  8. Will I experience any pain or discomfort during or after the biopsy procedure?
  9. How often do re-biopsies or repeat biopsies occur with the chosen biopsy method?
  10. Are there any specific factors that make one biopsy method more appropriate for my particular situation than the other?

Reference

Authors: Yashima Y, Fujioka T, Kubota K, Mori M, Sato A, Oda G, Nakagawa T, Onishi I, Tanaka M, Tateishi U. Journal: J Med Ultrason (2001). 2023 Apr;50(2):205-212. doi: 10.1007/s10396-022-01279-3. Epub 2023 Jan 16. PMID: 36645627