Our Summary

This research paper from Australia explores a less invasive and cheaper method of diagnosing certain types of suspicious breast growths, called “B3” lesions. Usually, these are investigated through an open surgical biopsy, which can involve time off work, hospital admission costs, and risks from anesthesia and potential surgical complications. However, most of these lesions are found to be benign (not cancerous).

The researchers looked into an alternative method, called vacuum assisted excision biopsy (VAEB), which is less invasive and less costly. This method is already the standard of care for these types of lesions in the UK. If it could be used in Australia, it could save many women from unnecessary surgery.

The team developed a procedure for using VAEB on certain small, easily accessible lesions. Over a period of 7 months, 18 women with 20 such lesions were offered the choice between VAEB and the standard surgical biopsy. The majority chose VAEB, and all lesions were successfully tested using this method. Only one out of the 18 lesions turned out to be cancerous. There were no major complications and patient satisfaction was high, with most saying they would choose VAEB again over surgery.

The study concludes that VAEB is a safer, more patient-friendly, cheaper alternative to open surgical biopsy for diagnosing certain types of suspicious breast growths.

FAQs

  1. What is the alternative method to open surgical biopsy for diagnosing certain types of suspicious breast growths?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using vacuum assisted excision biopsy (VAEB) over the standard surgical biopsy?
  3. What were the results and patient satisfaction levels from the study conducted on VAEB in Australia?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that a breast biopsy is a procedure used to investigate any abnormal areas in the breast that may be concerning. They may explain that there are different types of biopsies, including needle biopsies and surgical biopsies, and that the choice of biopsy method will depend on the specific situation.

The doctor might also inform the patient about the potential risks and benefits of a breast biopsy, including the possibility of finding cancer or ruling it out. They may discuss the importance of following up with the results and any necessary treatment recommendations.

In addition, the doctor may mention alternative methods, such as vacuum assisted excision biopsy (VAEB), which can be a less invasive and more cost-effective option for certain types of suspicious breast growths. They may explain that VAEB has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgical biopsy in some cases, and may offer this as an option for the patient to consider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast biopsy include those with suspicious breast growths, such as B3 lesions, that cannot be definitively diagnosed through imaging tests alone. These lesions may have characteristics that suggest they could be cancerous, such as irregular shape, increased vascularity, or rapid growth. Patients with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may also be recommended for biopsy to rule out malignancy. Ultimately, the decision to undergo a breast biopsy is made on a case-by-case basis by healthcare providers based on the individual patient’s medical history, symptoms, and imaging results.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient notices a suspicious breast growth or abnormality during a self-exam or routine mammogram.
  2. Patient visits their doctor, who recommends further testing.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound to determine the nature of the growth.
  4. If the imaging tests are inconclusive, a biopsy is recommended to definitively diagnose the growth.

After the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient discusses the biopsy procedure with their healthcare provider and receives information about the risks and benefits.
  2. Patient undergoes the biopsy procedure, either a traditional open surgical biopsy or a less invasive vacuum assisted excision biopsy (VAEB).
  3. If VAEB is used, the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes less time than a surgical biopsy.
  4. Patient receives the biopsy results and discusses them with their healthcare provider.
  5. If the growth is found to be cancerous, treatment options are discussed and a plan is developed.
  6. If the growth is found to be benign, the patient may require regular follow-up appointments to monitor any changes in the area.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a B3 lesion and why is a biopsy necessary?
  2. What are the risks associated with a traditional open surgical biopsy?
  3. How does a vacuum assisted excision biopsy (VAEB) differ from a traditional biopsy?
  4. What are the potential benefits of choosing VAEB over open surgical biopsy?
  5. What is the success rate of VAEB in accurately diagnosing B3 lesions?
  6. Are there any specific criteria that make a patient eligible for VAEB?
  7. What is the recovery process like after a VAEB procedure?
  8. Are there any potential complications or side effects associated with VAEB?
  9. How long does it typically take to receive the results from a VAEB procedure?
  10. Are there any additional follow-up appointments or treatments required after a VAEB procedure?

Reference

Authors: Watson JF, Radic R, Frost R, Paton S, Kessell MA, Dessauvagie BF, Taylor DB. Journal: J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2023 Jun;67(4):365-376. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.13502. Epub 2023 Jan 3. PMID: 36596982