OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a standard diagnostic evaluation with 16G core-needle biopsy for breast lesions. We evaluated the ideal number of fragments using standard ultrasound criteria based on the previous results obtained on the size of the lesions. MEHTODS: A prospective study was carried out, from may 2004 to September 2005, in 79 patients with lesions that included categories 2,3,4 and 5, according to BIRADS -USTM using 16G core biopsy needle. We took up 5 pieces numbered and placed individually in vials with 10% formalin. RESULTS: In 84 biopsies performed there were 81 conclusive diagnoses (96%), with 43 malignant results (51%) and 38 benign results (45%). The effectiveness of the core biopsy increased with the sample numbers: one sample is 95.24% accurate; two samples reach 96.93%; three samples reach 98.8%; four samples reach 98.81%, and finally, five samples reach 100% accuracy. CONLCUSION: the resection of three fragments was sufficient for a satisfactory result.
Breast neoplasms; Ultrasonography; mammary; Diagnostic techniques and procedures; Biopsy; needle
