Management of Microcalcifications Visualized by Mammography at a Local Hospital

• Published in: Journal of Japan Association of Breast Cancer Screening Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 35 - 39
• Main Authors: Mishina, Yoshiya, Fukami, Atsuo, Miyoshi, Tatsu, Kokubo, Takeshi, Narita, Makoto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Association of Breast Cancer Screening 1997
• Subjects: biopsy; mammography; microcalcification; nonpalpable breast cancer; stereotaxis
• ISSN: 0918-0729; 1882-6873
• DOI: 10.3804/jjabcs.6.35

It is difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant microcalcification (MC) detected by mammography, necessitating some method of biopsy. Surgical biopsy carried out by two-directional or stereotaxic mammography and needle biopsy using core biopsy equipment have been reported. Indications for biopsy include clusters of more than 4 or 5 MCs, a linear shape, a linear arrangement, and an increase in number with time. There were 14 breast cancers (18%), of which 6 (43%) were noninvasive, among 77 cases located by two-directional mammography during 4 years and 3 months. The stereotaxic equipment used was an ESP-200 made of ACOMA and CYTOGUIDE. There were 33 breast cancers, of which 22 (67%) were noninvasive, among 270 cases located by stereotaxic mammography during 4 years and 7 months. The detection rate of MC was 260/270 (96%). Core biopsy equipment used was Mammo Vision and Mammotest made by FISCHER IMAGING Co. Surgical biopsy was performed after needle biopsy, and the pathological results were compared. The detection rate by needle biopsy was 13/16 (81%).Cancerous tissue was obtained in 1 of 2 breast cancer cases. The detection rate of MC by surgical biopsy using Mammo Vision was poor at 6/13 (46%). Introduction of surgical biopsy by stereotaxis increased the number of biopsies and breast cancers, and produced a fall in the frequency of cancer. However, the frequency of noninvasive breast cancer became higher. Though it was expected that introduction of core biopsy equipment would decrease excessive surgical biopsy, the accuracy is still unfavorable, and further examination is considered necessary.