Stereotaxic aspiration biopsy in the evaluation of mammographically detected clustered microcalcification

BACKGROUND Stereotaxic fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (SFNA) of mammographically detected nonpalpable lesions of the breast provides accurate diagnosis and may eliminate many unnecessary excisional biopsies of areas of microcalcification. METHODS SFNA of microcalcification of indeterminate radiologic significance was performed on 125 patients (1991‐1994), yielding 130 specimens (2 sites in 2 patients and bilateral aspirations in 3 patients). Stereotaxic localization was performed, and samples from within the area of microcalcification were obtained using 22‐gauge needles. Smears stained with a Giemsa‐type stain were prepared and studied by a cytopathologist during the procedure to determine the adequacy of each specimen. RESULTS Of 130 specimens, 104 (80%) were cytologically benign, 13 (10%) were atypical, 6 (4.6%) were suspicious, and 7 (5.3%) were malignant. All malignant diagnoses were confirmed by subsequent operative biopsy. Follow‐up was available in 74 of 104 benign cases (71%): surgical excisions (all benign) in 8 cases and follow‐up mammograms at 6 months to 5.8 years in 66 cases (no radiologic change in 64 cases and 2 [1.9%] cases with new radiologic findings [SFNAs of the new radiographic abnormality revealed adenocarcinoma in both]). CONCLUSIONS SFNA is a reliable and cost‐effective method of evaluating indeterminate microcalcification; however, mammographic follow‐up is indicated because of the possibility of subsequent and independent cancers. [See editorial on pages 197‐9, this issue.] Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1998;84:226‐230. © 1998 American Cancer Society. Stereotaxic fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is a cost‐effective and reliable method of evaluating radiologic mammary microcalcification of indeterminate significance. See also pages 197‐9.