Ten years follow-up of histologically benign calcifications in the breast after vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy (VASB): Is additional mammographic follow-up warranted?

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the short-term and the long-term breast cancer rate in patients with benign histopathologic results after a vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy (VASB) for calcifications. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, all consecutive patients who had a benign diagnosis after VASB to analyze breast calcifications. Data of breast cancer development at short-term (four years) and longterm follow-up was gathered. Breast cancer rates in our cohort were compared to the breast cancer incidence in the general population. Results: Of 1376 patients who underwent VASB to analyze breast calcifications, 823 had a benign histopathologic diagnosis. During short-term follow-up, eight patients developed breast cancer. During the mean long-term follow-up period of 9.3 ± 3.1 years, 22 patients were diagnosed with ipsilateral breast cancer. The incidence rate of breast cancer after benign biopsy was comparable to the rate in the general population. Conclusion:In patients with VASB-confirmed benign calcifications of the breast, we found no excess incidence of ipsilateral breast cancer during ten years follow-up. Therefore, in patients with an increased risk of breast cancer (due to a history of breast cancer or familial risk) annual mammography should be sufficient. Patients with a population-based risk may be monitored via biennial mammography by the national screening program. More frequent screening would provide no benefit.

Introduction of Stereotactic Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy in Bulgaria

“…A vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is included in national and world standards to diagnose and treat precancerous, benign, and malignant lesions [3][4][5]. Its main application is related to the histological verification of non-palpable lesions and microcalcifications, for which it has become the gold standard for diagnosis and the treatment of benign formations in the mammary glands [7][8][9]. The main application is related to the histological verification of non-palpable lesions and microcalcifications suspicious for malignancy and the treatment of benign formations in the mammary glands.…”