Place of triple diagnosis in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast cancers (studies of 1819 women)
Strietzel, A.; Neumeister, K.; Kunzelmann, F.; Schüler, W.; Spörl, H.D.
Archiv für Geschwulstforschung 57(3): 203-208
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-911X PMID: 3619592 Document Number: 302248
In 1819 female patients, the diagnostic value of clinical examination, mammography, and fine needle biopsy separately as well as in combination (so-called triple diagnosis) has been investigated. Comparing the histological findings with each of the several examination procedures, the triple diagnosis proved to have a high diagnostic validity (sensitivity 0.98; specificity 0.99). If the result of all three findings is "benign" and the diameter of the tumour does not exceed 20 mm, the diagnostic extirpation of a mammary tumour will usually not be necessary. On the other hand, if the findings unanimously read "malignant" it is to be discussed whether a primary mammary amputation should be carried out. The examinations of the triple diagnosis can be made during a consultation and the risk is insignificant. They will only affect the patients very little and will leave no scars if repeated.