Analysis of mammographically obvious carcinomas of the breast with benign results upon initial biopsy
Meyer, J.E.; Kopans, D.B.
Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics 153(4): 570-572
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6087 PMID: 6269239 Document Number: 180634
Although benign lesions of the breast may, on occasion, be indistinguishable from carcinoma on mammography, the presence of a typical malignant tumor justifies a strong roentgenographic impression which should be nearly 100% accurate. During the past 3 yr, 435 carcinomas of the breast were evaluated by xeromammography prior to surgical excision, 370 of which presented as palpable lesions. In 6 patients, the initial biopsy of a palpable area yielded benign results, despite a roentgenographic report indicating the presence of a carcinoma. Repeat mammography after biopsy documented the persistence of the suspicious area, all of which were carcinoma upon re-excision. Roentgenographic reappraisal is imperative in circumstances in which the biopsy results do not corroborate the roentgenographic findings. Preoperative needle localization is a useful adjunctive measure to ensure that a palpable area corresponds to a mass visible on the mammogram.