Breast biopsy technique

Question 1

Diagnostic test of choice for patients who will receive preoperative systemic therapy

Answer 1

Core needle biopsy

Question 2

Used for non-palpable abnormalities

Answer 2

Wire or needle directed biopsy

Question 3

Disadvantages of aspiration or needle biopsy

Answer 3

• Inaccurate or inadequate sample
• Dependent on pathologies experience
• Difficult or unable to evaluate in situ disease
• ER/PR not available

Question 4

T/F. Core needle biopsy can be read by any pathologist

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Can incisional biopsy evaluate extent of in situ disease?

Answer 5

Yes, it can evaluate in situ disease but may underestimate it

Question 6

Can excisional biopsy underestimate extent of in situ disease?

Answer 6

Yes; although it offers more complete evaluation, it may still underestimate true extent of tumor requiring reexcision

Question 7

Advantages and disadvantages of stereotactic biopsy

Answer 7

• Advantages
  
  • Accurate image-guidance
  • Cost-effective
  • Accurate histology
  • Not done in OR
• Disadvantages
  
  • Require special mammoraphy equipment
  • Limited sample size
  • ER/PR may not be available
  • May underestimate in situ disease