No abstract

DNA ploidy and percent of (%S‐phase) S‐phase cells were determined from the DNA content distribution of 21 benign and 76 malignant (69 primary, 7 metastatic) breast tumors using flow cytometry. All of the benign tumors were diploid, whereas 89% of the malignant tumors had measurable aneuploidy. Multiple stem‐lines were observed in approximately 10% of the malignant tumors. The ploidy distribution of the malignant tumors was bimodal with an increased frequency of tumors with a near diploid DNA index (DI), and a second group with DI ranging from triploid to tetraploid. The percentage of cells in S‐phase ranged from <1% to 37.4%. DI and %S were significantly higher in poorly differentiated duct carcinomas, medullary carcinomas, and recurrent tumor metastases. DI and %S were also significantly higher in estrogen‐receptor‐negative tumors. There was no correlation between DI or %S and the extent of axillary nodal metastases. However, within the groups of node‐negative and node‐positive patients, DI and %S were not randomly distributed but were significantly correlated with degree of nuclear differentiation. Both parameters were higher in poorly differentiated tumors compared with well‐differentiated tumors, indicating significant intrastage heterogeneity in tumor ploidy and proliferation characteristics. Determination of the prognostic significance of DI and %S will require a longer follow‐up time.

When core needle biopsy of the breast is performed with ultrasound (US) guidance, the curvature of the breast is used to advantage. The breast is entered from the periphery; this approach allows one to avoid chest wall injury and improves needle visualization. Bringing the needle to the lesion by using a sweeping motion while keeping the transducer position relatively fixed will expedite the biopsy. Standard techniques are modified for evaluation of difficult lesions. Mobile lesions can be fixed with the palm of the operator's hand. Deep lesions can be lifted away from the chest wall with the tip of the needle. For lesions in large breasts, a steeper angle of approach may be necessary but can be matched with the transducer to improve needle visualization. Careful correlation with the mammogram will ensure that the corresponding sonographic abnormality is sampled. Although complications are uncommon, hematoma or infection may occur after the procedure. With practice, application of standard and modffied techniques can result in efficient and accurate US-guided core needle biopsy of the breast. Abbreviation: BI-RADS Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Index terms: Breast, biopsy. 0(). 1261 #{149} Breast neoplasms, diagnosis. (X).3() #{149} Ultrasound (US). guidance. 00.12985

No abstract

No abstract