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Keywords = vacuum-assisted biopsy

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11 pages, 703 KiB  
Article
High HER2 Intratumoral Heterogeneity Is Resistant to Anti-HER2 Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Early Stage and Locally Advanced HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
by Takaaki Hatano, Tomonori Tanei, Shigeto Seno, Yoshiaki Sota, Nanae Masunaga, Chieko Mishima, Masami Tsukabe, Tetsuhiro Yoshinami, Tomohiro Miyake, Masafumi Shimoda and Kenzo Shimazu
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2126; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132126 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 480
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer tumors possess intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH), which is associated with therapeutic resistance. Tumors with high ITH exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) heterogeneity, affecting the effectiveness of HER2-targeted therapies. Our recent study identified HER2 ITH as an independent [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer tumors possess intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH), which is associated with therapeutic resistance. Tumors with high ITH exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) heterogeneity, affecting the effectiveness of HER2-targeted therapies. Our recent study identified HER2 ITH as an independent prognostic factor for poor outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer. We here investigated the association between HER2 ITH and anti-HER2 neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) resistance. Methods: This study included 97 patients with primary HER2-positive breast cancer treated with anti-HER2 NAC. Breast tumor samples were obtained from vacuum-assisted breast biopsy before NAC. HER2 gene amplification was assessed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and HER2 gene copy number histograms were generated. Using the Gaussian mixture model, histogram data were analyzed and categorized into the high (HH) and low HER2 heterogeneity (LH) groups. The association between HER2 ITH and treatment response was evaluated using the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. Results: Of the 97 patients, 18 (18.6%) and 79 (81.4%) were classified into the HH and LH groups, respectively. The pCR rate in the HH group was significantly lower at 28% (5/18) than that in the LH group at 65% (51/79) (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis of pathological parameters revealed that the most significant predictor of pCR rate was HER2 ITH (p = 0.02). Conclusions: HER2 ITH assessment may be valuable in predicting therapeutic outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer. Our novel approach of the HER2 ITH method using FISH histograms could serve as a useful tool for predicting anti-HER2 NAC resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research and Prognosis of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer)
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20 pages, 2994 KiB  
Article
Role of MRI in the Diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Retrospective Study
by Cristina García Ruiz, Laila Zitan Saidi, Lucía Zambrana Aguilar, Maricela Moreira Cabrera, Carolina Carvia Ponsaille, Rosa Vázquez Sousa, Carmen Martínez Porras and Antonio Fernando Murillo-Cancho
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082842 - 20 Apr 2025
Viewed by 796
Abstract
Background: The use of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation, detection, and characterization of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been increasing; however, its application in this context remains controversial and uncertain. Materials: A retrospective study including women with pure DCIS, [...] Read more.
Background: The use of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation, detection, and characterization of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been increasing; however, its application in this context remains controversial and uncertain. Materials: A retrospective study including women with pure DCIS, confirmed between January 2012 and December 2022 using ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) or stereotaxy-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), was conducted. Mammography, ultrasound (US), and MRI of DCIS lesions were evaluated according to histological grade. The size of the DCIS, as assessed by mammography, US, MRI, and final surgical histopathology, was compared using Lin’s concordance correlation and Bland–Altman plots. Results: A total of 144 women (mean age 55.5 ± 10.3 years) with histopathological diagnoses of pure DCIS and no evidence of infiltration in the percutaneous biopsy were included in the study. Microcalcifications were the most prevalent feature observed in mammography (82.63%). Round/punctate morphology was more common in low-grade lesions, while fine pleomorphic morphology was more frequent in medium- and high-grade lesions. Lesions manifesting as microcalcifications only on mammography were significantly associated with intermediate and high-nuclear grade DCIS (p = 0.005). The most common MRI manifestation of DCIS was non-mass enhancement (86.11%). A total of 141 lesions showed enhancement with MRI (sensibility 97.92%). There were no significant differences (p = 0.29) between negative and positive enhancement with MRI and the histological grade of the lesions. There were no significant differences (p = 0.49) between the type of enhancement curve with MRI and the histological grade. Preoperative MRI detected additional malignancies (multifocal, multicentric, or bilateral) in 35 patients (24.31%). Conclusions: DCIS demonstrated enhancement with MRI regardless of histological grade but overestimated the size of the lesions in low-nuclear-grade DCIS. Preoperative MRI identified additional malignancies (multifocal, multicentric, and bilateral lesions) in 24 patients (16.67%), which were confirmed by histopathological examination. These malignancies were either undetected or not visible with mammography and ultrasound. However, MRI also overestimated the size of the DCIS, leading to three unnecessary mastectomies in our study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nuclear Medicine & Radiology)
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20 pages, 596 KiB  
Review
Hysteroscopy vs. Vabra in Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Christopher Clark, Ambrogio Cazzolla, Giuseppe Colonna, Vera Loizzi, Gennaro Cormio and Salvatore Lopez
Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071145 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 916
Abstract
Introduction: Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in high-income countries. A prompt diagnosis of this condition is of utmost importance in ensuring that patients receive the best treatment strategy. The new FIGO 2023 molecular classification of endometrial [...] Read more.
Introduction: Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in high-income countries. A prompt diagnosis of this condition is of utmost importance in ensuring that patients receive the best treatment strategy. The new FIGO 2023 molecular classification of endometrial cancer radically changes the current landscape of this disease’s treatment and follow-up. Among the various diagnostic techniques used to identify endometrial lesions, hysteroscopy and vacuum biopsy techniques are the most employed in clinical practice. The aim of this systematic literature review is to compare the efficacy, sensitivity, specificity, and safety of these methods when employed to diagnose endometrial cancer, as well as to assess the feasibility of endometrial cancer molecular profiling on biopsy specimens. Methods: A systematic literature search of studies evaluating hysteroscopy and VABRA biopsy performance in diagnosing endometrial cancer was conducted using the main online databases (PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane Library). An additional literature search was conducted, focusing on the feasibility of endometrial cancer molecular profiling on hysteroscopic biopsy and VABRA samples, as well as on the diagnostic concordance of biopsy and final surgery specimens. Two authors performed the literature search independently, while other two authors assessed the retrieved publications’ risk of bias using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Twenty-four studies were included in the final report. Results: Both techniques have shown high effectiveness in diagnosing endometrial cancer, although with important differences. Hysteroscopy provides direct visualization of the endometrium and allows clinicians to perform biopsies of suspicious lesions, but it also entails important limitations, as in the case of diffused lesions or technical difficulties, especially in nulliparous and elderly women. VABRA and other vacuum biopsy techniques, on the other hand, offer a wider sampling of endometrial tissue and are less operator-dependent but may be associated with a higher risk of failed diagnosis when compared to hysteroscopy. Discussion: Hysteroscopy, especially when combined with targeted biopsies, has been proven to be a valid technique, especially in pre-surgical diagnostic workup of early-stage endometrial cancer. Vacuum techniques, although less invasive and providing larger tissue samples, do not seem to be able to completely replace hysteroscopy in diagnosing endometrial cancer but remain a valid alternative in selected cases, especially when endometrial lesions prove harder to reach and/or to identify. They may also prove useful in low resource countries in which hysteroscopy is not widely available. Conclusions: Based on our findings, early assessment of endometrial cancer should be carried out through hysteroscopic evaluation and targeted endometrial biopsies, ideally including molecular assessment on biopsy specimens to further guide treatment decisions. Other biopsy techniques, such as vacuum-assisted biopsy, should be reserved for specific settings in which hysteroscopy is not readily available. The ideal diagnostic approach to endometrial cancer should take multiple factors into account, such as the location and extension of the disease, patient characteristics, clinical skills, and resource availability. Further studies are needed to assess the feasibility of molecular cancer profiling on biopsy specimens, as well as cost-containment strategies which would allow equal access to targeted treatment modalities for all endometrial cancer patients worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Causes, Screening and Diagnosis)
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19 pages, 6319 KiB  
Review
Histopathological Analysis of Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy in Relation to Microcalcification Findings on Mammography: A Pictorial Review
by Jana Bebek, Nikolina Novak, Marina Dasović, Eugen Divjak, Čedna Tomasović-Lončarić, Boris Brkljačić and Gordana Ivanac
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030737 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1193
Abstract
Mammography is an essential tool in breast screening, often revealing lesions that appear as microcalcifications with or without an associated mass. Decisions about biopsy requirements are guided by the BI-RADS system, aiming to confirm the histopathology of suspicious lesions while avoiding unnecessary procedures. [...] Read more.
Mammography is an essential tool in breast screening, often revealing lesions that appear as microcalcifications with or without an associated mass. Decisions about biopsy requirements are guided by the BI-RADS system, aiming to confirm the histopathology of suspicious lesions while avoiding unnecessary procedures. A vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing breast abnormalities. Precise lesion targeting is ensured under stereotactic guidance, reducing the need for repeated procedures. Compared to traditional core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), it differs in using vacuum assistance to gather more tissue volume, increasing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the likelihood of histological underestimation. This is particularly crucial in cases where microcalcifications are the primary finding, as they are often the earliest signs of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Managing such findings requires precise diagnostic tools to differentiate benign from malignant lesions without subjecting patients to unnecessary surgical interventions. Building on several years of experience in our department, we have assembled a selection of ten interesting cases encountered in our clinical practice. Each case is documented with paired mammographic images and their corresponding image of histopathological findings, offering a comprehensive view of the diagnostic journey. These cases were selected for their educational value, highlighting the integration of imaging modalities, histopathological evaluation, and clinical decision-making. All cases underwent an extensive diagnostic workup at our facility. This compilation aims to provide valuable insights for both clinicians and researchers, offering a deeper understanding of advanced diagnostic techniques and their role in improving patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches)
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14 pages, 3545 KiB  
Article
Influence of Complete Lesion Removal During Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy on the Upgrade Rate of B3 Lesions Presenting as Microcalcifications
by Giovanni Irmici, Catherine Depretto, Alessandra Pinto, Gianmarco Della Pepa, Elisa D’Ascoli, Claudia De Berardinis, Alice Bonanomi, Eleonora Ancona, Daniela Ballerini, Lidia Rabiolo, Simone Schiaffino, Andrea Cozzi and Gianfranco Scaperrotta
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051513 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
Background: B3 lesions of the breast, for which vacuum-assisted biopsy (VABB) represents the standard tissue sampling approach, have different risks of upgrade to malignancy at surgery and/or follow-up. This study aimed to investigate if complete or partial lesion removal during VABB of [...] Read more.
Background: B3 lesions of the breast, for which vacuum-assisted biopsy (VABB) represents the standard tissue sampling approach, have different risks of upgrade to malignancy at surgery and/or follow-up. This study aimed to investigate if complete or partial lesion removal during VABB of B3 lesions presenting as microcalcifications influences their subsequent upgrade rate. Methods: For this retrospective single-center study, we retrieved 165 lesions diagnosed as B3 at VABB that presented solely as microcalcifications categorized as Breast Imaging Reporting & Data System (BI-RADS) 4 or 5 at mammography between January 2016 and December 2020. Surgical pathology or at least 3-year follow-up were obtained to determine potential lesion upgrade to malignancy. χ2, Fisher’s, and Mantel–Haenszel tests were performed to assess if complete lesion removal influenced upgrade rates overall and among different B3 subtypes. Results: Complete lesion removal was achieved in 99/165 cases (60.0%) and did not differ among B3 subtypes (p = 0.092). The overall upgrade rate was 8.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1–13.7%, 14/165), without statistically significant differences among B3 subtypes (p = 0.562). Conversely, completely removed lesions (4.0%, 95% CI 1.6–9.9%) had a statistically significant lower upgrade rate compared to partially removed lesions (15.2%, 95% CI 8.4–25.7%, p = 0.019). According to stratified analysis according to B3 subtypes, the odds ratio of upgrade among completely and partially removed flat epithelial atypia (0.13, 95% CI 0.00–1.45) was lower (Mantel-Haenszel test p = 0.016) than those of atypical ductal hyperplasia (0.31, 95% CI 0.02–3.17) and of lobular neoplasia (0.73, 95% CI 0.01–60.62). Conclusions: The upgrade rate of B3 lesions is significantly influenced by complete lesion removal, both overall and among different B3 subtypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and Advances in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment)
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12 pages, 2400 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE) in Breast Lesion Management: An Experimental Comparative Study of Two Different VAE Devices Across Various Aspiration Levels and Window Sizes
by Serena Carriero, Maurizio Cè, Matilde Pavan, Mariassunta Roberta Pannarale, Giulia Quercioli, Sveva Mortellaro, Alessandro Liguori, Maria Cosentino, Maria Iodice, Marta Montesano, Giulia Querques, Carolina Lanza, Salvatore Alessio Angileri, Pierpaolo Biondetti, Filippo Pesapane, Gianpaolo Carrafiello and Sonia Santicchia
Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030272 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) is a minimally invasive technique for breast tumor treatment, offering precision, comfort, and quick recovery. It is widely used for benign breast lesions and is playing an increasingly important role in the therapeutic management of non-surgical patients or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) is a minimally invasive technique for breast tumor treatment, offering precision, comfort, and quick recovery. It is widely used for benign breast lesions and is playing an increasingly important role in the therapeutic management of non-surgical patients or patients who refuse surgery. Optimal outcomes require an understanding of device features to tailor treatment to each lesion. The Mammotome® Elite 10G operates in a fixed mode, while the Mammotome® Revolve EX 8G offers multiple aspiration levels and aperture windows for greater versatility. This study analyzed the specimen features (weight and length), comparing the weight obtained from two different VAE systems to aid the appropriate selection of a device based on the clinical setting. It also determined the number of specimens needed to achieve the 4 g diagnostic threshold. Methods: The Mammotome® Elite 10G and the Mammotome® Revolve EX were evaluated under controlled conditions. For Mammotome® Revolve EX, combinations of five aspiration levels and three aperture lengths (12 mm, 18 mm, and 25 mm) were tested. Twelve samples were collected from a chicken breast phantom for each setting. Specimen weights and the minimum excisions required to reach the 4 g threshold were analyzed. Results: The mean weight per sample for the Mammotome® Elite 10G was 0.16 ± 0.04 g. For the Mammotome® Revolve EX, the weights increased with aperture size and aspiration level, ranging from a minimum of 0.132 ± 0.028 g (a window length of 12 mm and aspiration level 1) to a maximum of 0.407 ± 0.055 g (a window length of 25 mm and aspiration level 5). The 25 mm window at aspiration level 5 achieved the 4 g threshold in as few as 10 samples. By comparison, the Mammotome® Elite required up to 26 samples. Conclusions: Compared to the Mammotome Elite, Mammotome® Revolve EX offers superior versatility and efficiency, reducing patient discomfort by minimizing the required samples. Its technical advantages make it a valuable tool for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology)
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15 pages, 5044 KiB  
Review
Navigating the Uncertainty of B3 Breast Lesions: Diagnostic Challenges and Evolving Management Strategies
by Sabatino D’Archi, Beatrice Carnassale, Alejandro Martin Sanchez, Cristina Accetta, Paolo Belli, Flavia De Lauretis, Enrico Di Guglielmo, Alba Di Leone, Antonio Franco, Stefano Magno, Francesca Moschella, Maria Natale, Lorenzo Scardina, Marta Silenzi, Riccardo Masetti and Gianluca Franceschini
J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15010036 - 18 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2591
Abstract
B3 breast lesions, classified as lesions of uncertain malignant potential, present a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to their heterogeneous nature and variable risk of progression to malignancy. These lesions, which include atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), papillary lesions (PLs), flat epithelial atypia [...] Read more.
B3 breast lesions, classified as lesions of uncertain malignant potential, present a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to their heterogeneous nature and variable risk of progression to malignancy. These lesions, which include atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), papillary lesions (PLs), flat epithelial atypia (FEA), radial scars (RSs), lobular neoplasia (LN), and phyllodes tumors (PTs), occupy a “grey zone” between benign and malignant pathologies, making their management complex and often controversial. This article explores the diagnostic difficulties associated with B3 lesions, focusing on the limitations of current imaging techniques, including mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as the challenges in histopathological interpretation. Core needle biopsy (CNB) and vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) are widely used for diagnosis, but both methods have inherent limitations, including sampling errors and the inability to determine malignancy in some cases definitively. The therapeutic approach to B3 lesions is nuanced, with treatment decisions strongly influenced by factors such as the lesion size, radiological findings, histopathological characteristics, and patient factors. While some lesions can be safely monitored with watchful waiting, others may require vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) or surgical excision to rule out malignancy. The decision-making process is further complicated by the discordance between the BI-RADS score and biopsy results, as well as the presence of additional risk factors, such as microcalcifications. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for B3 lesions, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to management. By synthesizing the most recent research, this article aims to provide clinicians with a clearer understanding of the complexities involved in diagnosing and treating B3 breast lesions while highlighting areas for future research, such as artificial intelligence and genomics, to improve the diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Methodology, Drug and Device Discovery)
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12 pages, 223 KiB  
Article
Assessing Malignant Risk in B3 Breast Lesions: Clinical Insights and Implications
by Sabatino D’Archi, Beatrice Carnassale, Cristina Accetta, Paolo Belli, Flavia De Lauretis, Enrico Di Guglielmo, Alba Di Leone, Antonio Franco, Elisabetta Gambaro, Stefano Magno, Francesca Moschella, Maria Natale, Alejandro Martin Sanchez, Lorenzo Scardina, Marta Silenzi, Riccardo Masetti and Gianluca Franceschini
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010070 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1232
Abstract
Background/Objectives: B3 breast lesions, characterized by uncertain malignant potential, pose a significant challenge for clinicians. With the increasing use of preoperative biopsies, there is a need for careful management strategies, including watchful waiting, vacuum-assisted excision (VAE), and surgery. This study aims to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: B3 breast lesions, characterized by uncertain malignant potential, pose a significant challenge for clinicians. With the increasing use of preoperative biopsies, there is a need for careful management strategies, including watchful waiting, vacuum-assisted excision (VAE), and surgery. This study aims to assess the concordance between preoperative biopsy findings and postoperative histology, with a focus on evaluating the positive predictive value (PPV) for malignancy in B3 lesions. Methods: Over a seven-year period, 305 patients preoperatively diagnosed with B3 lesions were treated at the Multidisciplinary Breast Center of “Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS” in Rome. All cases were reviewed at multidisciplinary meetings involving surgeons, radiologists, histopathologists, and oncologists. Preoperative diagnoses were obtained by ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies (CNBs) or stereotactic-guided vacuum-assisted biopsies (VABs). The radiological features were assessed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS), and discrepancies between radiological and pathological findings were recorded. The biopsy results were compared with the postoperative histological findings to calculate the PPV for malignancy. Results: Of the 305 B3 lesions biopsied, 242 were confirmed as B3 on the final histological examination, resulting in a concordance rate of 79.3%. A total of 63 cases were upgraded to malignancy on postoperative histology, yielding a cumulative upgrade rate of 20.7%. The PPV for malignancy was 31.5% for atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), 27.6% for lobular neoplasia (LN), 22.9% for papillary lesions (PLs), 12.1% for flat epithelial atypia (FEA), 10.4% for radial scar (RS), and 10.3% for phyllodes tumors (PTs). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the cumulative PPV for B3 lesions, as well as the PPV for each subtype, are consistent with the existing literature. The factors influencing the PPV include the use of CNB versus VAB, discordance between the BIRADS and biopsy results, the presence of atypia in the biopsy sample, the presence of microcalcifications on mammography, mass lesions identified on MRI, and the extent of the lesion. These factors should be considered in the personalized management of B3 lesions, potentially leading to more targeted and less invasive approaches in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
11 pages, 1844 KiB  
Article
Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and Lobular In Situ Neoplasm: High-Risk Lesions Challenging Breast Cancer Prevention
by Luca Nicosia, Luciano Mariano, Giuseppe Pellegrino, Federica Ferrari, Filippo Pesapane, Anna Carla Bozzini, Samuele Frassoni, Vincenzo Bagnardi, Davide Pupo, Giovanni Mazzarol, Elisa De Camilli, Claudia Sangalli, Massimo Venturini, Maria Pizzamiglio and Enrico Cassano
Cancers 2024, 16(4), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040837 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2631
Abstract
This retrospective study investigates the histopathological outcomes, upgrade rates, and disease-free survival (DFS) of high-risk breast lesions, including atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH or DIN1b) and lobular in situ neoplasms (LIN), following Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) and surgical excision. The study addresses the challenge [...] Read more.
This retrospective study investigates the histopathological outcomes, upgrade rates, and disease-free survival (DFS) of high-risk breast lesions, including atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH or DIN1b) and lobular in situ neoplasms (LIN), following Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) and surgical excision. The study addresses the challenge posed by these lesions due to their association with synchronous or adjacent Breast Cancer (BC) and increased future BC risk. The research, comprising 320 patients who underwent stereotactic VABB, focuses on 246 individuals with a diagnosis of ADH (120) or LIN (126) observed at follow-up. Pathological assessments, categorized by the UK B-coding system, were conducted, and biopsy samples were compared with corresponding excision specimens to determine upgrade rates for in situ or invasive carcinoma. Surgical excision was consistently performed for diagnosed ADH or LIN. Finally, patient follow-ups were assessed and compared between LIN and ADH groups to identify recurrence signs, defined as histologically confirmed breast lesions on either the same or opposite side. The results reveal that 176 (71.5%) patients showed no upgrade post-surgery, with ADH exhibiting a higher upgrade rate to in situ pathology than LIN1 (Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia, ALH)/LIN2 (Low-Grade Lobular in situ Carcinoma, LCIS) (38% vs. 20%, respectively, p-value = 0.002). Considering only patients without upgrade, DFS at 10 years was 77%, 64%, and 72% for ADH, LIN1, and LIN2 patients, respectively (p-value = 0.92). The study underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, recognizing the evolving role of VABB. It emphasizes the need for careful follow-up, particularly for lobular lesions, offering valuable insights for clinicians navigating the complex landscape of high-risk breast lesions. The findings advocate for heightened awareness and vigilance in managing these lesions, contributing to the ongoing refinement of clinical strategies in BC care. Full article
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10 pages, 1130 KiB  
Article
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography-Guided Biopsy: Preliminary Results of a Single-Center Retrospective Experience
by Matteo Sammarra, Claudia Lucia Piccolo, Marina Sarli, Rita Stefanucci, Manuela Tommasiello, Paolo Orsaria, Vittorio Altomare and Bruno Beomonte Zobel
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13040933 - 6 Feb 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2378
Abstract
Background: CEM-guided breast biopsy is an advanced diagnostic procedure that takes advantage of the ability of CEM to enhance suspicious breast lesions. The aim pf this paper is to describe a single-center retrospective experience on CEM-guided breast biopsy in terms of procedural features [...] Read more.
Background: CEM-guided breast biopsy is an advanced diagnostic procedure that takes advantage of the ability of CEM to enhance suspicious breast lesions. The aim pf this paper is to describe a single-center retrospective experience on CEM-guided breast biopsy in terms of procedural features and histological outcomes. Methods: 69 patients underwent the procedure. Patient age, breast density, presentation, dimensions, and lesion target enhancement were recorded. All the biopsy procedures were performed using a 7- or 10-gauge (G) vacuum-assisted biopsy needle. The procedural approach (horizontal or vertical) and the decubitus of the patient (lateral or in a sitting position) were noted. Results: A total of 69 patients underwent a CEM-guided biopsy. Suspicious lesions presented as mass enhancement in 35% of cases and non-mass enhancement in 65% of cases. The median size of the target lesions was 20 mm. The median procedural time for each biopsy was 10 ± 4 min. The patients were placed in a lateral decubitus position in 52% of cases and seated in 48% of cases. The most common approach was horizontal (57%). The mean AGD was 14.8 mGy. At histology, cancer detection rate was 28% (20/71). Conclusions: CEM-guided biopsy was feasible, with high procedure success rates and high tolerance by the patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nuclear Medicine & Radiology)
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19 pages, 16597 KiB  
Article
Practical Challenges of DBT-Guided VABB: Harms and Benefits, from Literature to Clinical Experience
by Daniele Ugo Tari, Davide Raffaele De Lucia, Marika Santarsiere, Rosalinda Santonastaso and Fabio Pinto
Cancers 2023, 15(24), 5720; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15245720 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2411
Abstract
Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) guided by digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) represents one of the best instruments to obtain a histological diagnosis of suspicious lesions with no ultrasound correlation or those which are visible only on DBT. After a review of the literature, we [...] Read more.
Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) guided by digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) represents one of the best instruments to obtain a histological diagnosis of suspicious lesions with no ultrasound correlation or those which are visible only on DBT. After a review of the literature, we retrospectively analyzed the DBT-guided VABBs performed from 2019 to 2022 at our department. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and χ2 test were used to compare distributions of age, breast density (BD) and early performance measures including histopathology. We used kappa statistics to evaluate the agreement between histological assessment and diagnosis. Finally, we compared our experience to the literature to provide indications for clinical practice. We included 85 women aged 41–84 years old. We identified 37 breast cancers (BC), 26 stage 0 and 11 stage IA. 67.5% of BC was diagnosed in women with high BD. The agreement between VABB and surgery was 0.92 (k value, 95% CI: 0.76–1.08). We found a statistically significant inverse correlation between age and BD. The post-procedural clip was correctly positioned in 88.2%. The post-procedural hematoma rate was 14.1%. No infection or hemorrhage were recorded. When executed correctly, DBT-guided VABB represents a safe and minimally invasive technique with high histopathological concordance, for detecting nonpalpable lesions without ultrasound correlation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Factor Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer)
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8 pages, 10011 KiB  
Case Report
Vascular Complications following Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB): A Case Report and Review of the Literature
by Ernesto Pansa, Giuseppe Guzzardi, Silvia Santocono and Alessandro Carriero
Tomography 2023, 9(4), 1246-1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography9040099 - 24 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3676
Abstract
Introduction: Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) has been evaluated as a minimally invasive, safe, and accurate procedure with low complication risks; the most frequent one is the mild/moderate hematoma, which occurs with a low-frequency rate, and the majority of patients who experienced it can [...] Read more.
Introduction: Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) has been evaluated as a minimally invasive, safe, and accurate procedure with low complication risks; the most frequent one is the mild/moderate hematoma, which occurs with a low-frequency rate, and the majority of patients who experienced it can be treated successfully with only manual compression and dressing. Although cases of uncontrollable catastrophic bleeding are exceedingly rare, local breast vessel involvement is a concrete risk, even in patients with no bleeding propensity. Case Presentation: In this article, we aimed to describe a 60 years-old woman who, following VABB, experienced a massive hematoma without external bleeding and was successfully treated with embolization. The woman was called back for a cluster of suspicious microcalcifications identified in the left breast’s upper-outer quadrant; however, following histopathological analysis, the few samples collected were negative. She had a silent past medical history, 100% performance status, and no active pharmacotherapy. Approximately 15–30 min after VABB, the patient complained of weakness, pain, and lipothymia. A physical examination revealed a massive hematoma without external bleeding. Clinical data reported PaO 65/40 mmHg and blood chemistry Hb < 10 g/dL. The emergency team was alerted to stabilize the patient, and after that, the breast hemorrhage was controlled by endovascular embolization. Despite this being a rare occurrence, it is important to draw up and follow an appropriate protocol to ensure proper patient management and early treatment. Discussion: This case illustrates the prompt and accurate management of a rare complication following VABB. Due to the very high number of patients undergoing this particular procedure, we aim to point out the concrete risk of vascular injury; other similar cases are described to support our thesis and provide different clinical manifestations of this rare occurrence. Full article
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9 pages, 1317 KiB  
Article
Tomosynthesis-Detected Architectural Distortions: Correlations between Imaging Characteristics and Histopathologic Outcomes
by Giovanna Romanucci, Francesca Fornasa, Andrea Caneva, Claudia Rossati, Marta Mandarà, Oscar Tommasini and Rossella Rella
J. Imaging 2023, 9(5), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging9050103 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2739
Abstract
Objective: to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of tomosynthesis (DBT)-detected architectural distortions (ADs) and evaluate correlations between AD’s imaging characteristics and histopathologic outcomes. Methods: biopsies performed between 2019 and 2021 on ADs were included. Images were interpreted by dedicated breast imaging radiologists. [...] Read more.
Objective: to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of tomosynthesis (DBT)-detected architectural distortions (ADs) and evaluate correlations between AD’s imaging characteristics and histopathologic outcomes. Methods: biopsies performed between 2019 and 2021 on ADs were included. Images were interpreted by dedicated breast imaging radiologists. Pathologic results after DBT-vacuum assisted biopsy (DBT-VAB) and core needle biopsy were compared with AD detected by DBT, synthetic2D (synt2D) and ultrasound (US). Results: US was performed to assess a correlation for ADs in all 123 cases and a US correlation was identified in 12/123 (9.7%) cases, which underwent US-guided core needle biopsy (CNB). The remaining 111/123 (90.2%) ADs were biopsied under DBT guidance. Among the 123 ADs included, 33/123 (26.8%) yielded malignant results. The overall PPV for malignancy was 30.1% (37/123). The imaging-specific PPV for malignancy was 19.2% (5/26) for DBT-only ADs, 28.2% (24/85) for ADs visible on DBT and synth2D mammography and 66.7% (8/12) for ADs with a US correlation with a statistically significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.01). Conclusions: DBT-only ADs demonstrated a lower PPV of malignancy when compared with syntD mammography, and DBT detected ADs but not low enough to avoid biopsy. As the presence of a US correlate was found to be related with malignancy, it should increase the radiologist’s level of suspicion, even when CNB returned a B3 result. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Medical Image Analysis)
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12 pages, 7744 KiB  
Article
Low-Risk Women with Suspicious Microcalcifications in Mammography—Can an Additional Breast MRI Reduce the Biopsy Rate?
by Patrik Pöschke, Evelyn Wenkel, Carolin C. Hack, Matthias W. Beckmann, Michael Uder and Sabine Ohlmeyer
Diagnostics 2023, 13(6), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13061197 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3206
Abstract
Background: In the German Mammography Screening Program, 62% of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 38% of invasive breast cancers are associated with microcalcifications (MCs). Vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast biopsies are necessary to distinguish precancerous lesions from benign calcifications because mammographic discrimination is not [...] Read more.
Background: In the German Mammography Screening Program, 62% of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 38% of invasive breast cancers are associated with microcalcifications (MCs). Vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast biopsies are necessary to distinguish precancerous lesions from benign calcifications because mammographic discrimination is not possible. The aim of this study was to investigate if breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRM) could assist the evaluation of MCs and thus help reduce biopsy rates. Methods: In this IRB-approved study, 58 women (mean age 58 +/− 24 years) with 59 suspicious MC clusters in the MG were eligible for this prospective single-center trial. Additional breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted before biopsy. Results: The breast MRI showed a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 84%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 75% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% for the differentiation between benign and malignant in these 59 MCs found with MG. Breast MRI in addition to MG could increase the PPV from 36% to 75% compared to MG alone. The MRI examination led to nine additional suspicious classified lesions in the study cohort. A total of 55% (5/9) of them turned out to be malignant. A total of 32 of 59 (54 %) women with suspicious MCs and benign histology were classified as non-suspicious by MRI. Conclusion: An additionally performed breast MRI could have increased the diagnostic reliability in the assessment of MCs. Further, in our small cohort, a considerable number of malignant lesions without mammographically visible MCs were revealed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnostic Medical Imaging in 2023)
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12 pages, 1418 KiB  
Article
Freehand 1.5T MR-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (MR-VABB): Contribution of Radiomics to the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Lesions
by Alberto Stefano Tagliafico, Massimo Calabrese, Nicole Brunetti, Alessandro Garlaschi, Simona Tosto, Giuseppe Rescinito, Gabriele Zoppoli, Michele Piana and Cristina Campi
Diagnostics 2023, 13(6), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13061007 - 7 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Radiomics and artificial intelligence have been increasingly applied in breast MRI. However, the advantages of using radiomics to evaluate lesions amenable to MR-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (MR-VABB) are unclear. This study includes patients scheduled for MR-VABB, corresponding to subjects with MRI-only visible lesions, [...] Read more.
Radiomics and artificial intelligence have been increasingly applied in breast MRI. However, the advantages of using radiomics to evaluate lesions amenable to MR-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (MR-VABB) are unclear. This study includes patients scheduled for MR-VABB, corresponding to subjects with MRI-only visible lesions, i.e., with a negative second-look ultrasound. The first acquisition of the multiphase dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) sequence was selected for image segmentation and radiomics analysis. A total of 80 patients with a mean age of 55.8 years ± 11.8 (SD) were included. The dataset was then split into a training set (50 patients) and a validation set (30 patients). Twenty out of the 30 patients with a positive histology for cancer were in the training set, while the remaining 10 patients with a positive histology were included in the test set. Logistic regression on the training set provided seven features with significant p values (<0.05): (1) ‘AverageIntensity’, (2) ‘Autocorrelation’, (3) ‘Contrast’, (4) ‘Compactness’, (5) ‘StandardDeviation’, (6) ‘MeanAbsoluteDeviation’ and (7) ‘InterquartileRange’. AUC values of 0.86 (95% C.I. 0.73–0.94) for the training set and 0.73 (95% C.I. 0.54–0.87) for the test set were obtained for the radiomics model. Radiological evaluation of the same lesions scheduled for MR-VABB had AUC values of 0.42 (95% C.I. 0.28–0.57) for the training set and 0.4 (0.23–0.59) for the test set. In this study, a radiomics logistic regression model applied to DCE-MRI images increased the diagnostic accuracy of standard radiological evaluation of MRI suspicious findings in women scheduled for MR-VABB. Confirming this performance in large multicentric trials would imply that using radiomics in the assessment of patients scheduled for MR-VABB has the potential to reduce the number of biopsies, in suspicious breast lesions where MR-VABB is required, with clear advantages for patients and healthcare resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Breast Cancer Imaging and Treatment)
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