Our Summary

This research paper looks at how modern technology is improving the process of breast biopsy, especially in women with thinner breasts (3 cm or less). The specific method used is called mammographic guiding vacuum-assist breast biopsy (MG-VABB). This technique is often challenging to perform on women with thin breasts.

The authors reviewed the cases of 745 women who underwent this procedure in their hospital from 2019 to 2021. All these women had suspicious microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium that show up on mammograms and might indicate cancer) found during mammography.

Among these women, 195 had thin breasts, and 191 of them had the biopsy. The procedure was successful in retrieving the microcalcifications in about 98% of cases. Two specific techniques, the half-open notch biopsy and the horizontal needle approach, were used in about 30% and 9% of the biopsies respectively.

The biopsy was good at detecting cancer, with a sensitivity rate of about 88%. It also found atypical cells (which could potentially become cancerous) in about 17% of cases.

The authors concluded that the modern MG-VABB technique has improved the biopsy process for women with thinner breasts, providing results similar to those with thicker breasts. This helps detect and manage suspicious microcalcifications detected by mammography, aiding in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

FAQs

  1. What is the MG-VABB technique and how is it used to manage suspicious microcalcifications found in mammography?
  2. What was the success rate of microcalcification retrieval in the study of MG-VABB on patients with compressed thin breasts?
  3. How does the performance of MG-VABB on patients with compressed thin breasts (≦ 3 cm) compare to those with breasts > 3 cm?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to follow the post-biopsy care instructions carefully, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the biopsy site clean and dry, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to follow up with your doctor for the results of the biopsy and to discuss any further treatment options if necessary.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast biopsy include those with suspicious microcalcifications discovered by mammography, especially in women with compressed thin breasts (≦ 3 cm). These patients may have a higher risk of breast cancer and may benefit from a biopsy to determine the nature of the microcalcifications and guide further management. The performance of mammographic guiding vacuum-assist breast biopsy (MG-VABB) has been shown to be technically feasible and effective in this patient population, with high microcalcification retrieval rates and cancer sensitivities. Additionally, patients with atypia or other high-risk findings on biopsy may also benefit from closer surveillance or additional interventions.

Timeline

  • Patient undergoes mammography and suspicious microcalcifications are discovered
  • Patient is recommended for a breast biopsy
  • Patient schedules and prepares for the biopsy procedure
  • Patient undergoes mammographic guiding vacuum-assist breast biopsy (MG-VABB)
  • Biopsy is technically achieved using half-open notch biopsy or horizontal needle approach
  • Microcalcification retrieval rate is 97.9%
  • Biopsy results are reviewed and compared to surgicohistology gold standard
  • Cancer sensitivity is 88.46% and atypia upgrade rate is 16.67%
  • Patient receives diagnosis and management plan based on biopsy results
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled for monitoring and further treatment if needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the breast biopsy?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed? Will I need local anesthesia?
  4. How long will the procedure take?
  5. What can I expect during the recovery period?
  6. When will I receive the results of the biopsy?
  7. What are the possible outcomes of the biopsy results?
  8. If cancer is detected, what are the next steps in terms of treatment?
  9. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered?
  10. How often should I follow up with the doctor after the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Yeow YJ, Yu CC, Cheung YC, Chen SC. Journal: Asian J Surg. 2023 Oct;46(10):4296-4301. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.04.074. Epub 2023 May 5. PMID: 37150735