Usefulness of Stereotactic Localization of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of stereoscopic localization of nonpalpable breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed 60 cases of stereotactic localization performed for lesions whichwere mammographically visible but not palpable. Each case was reviewed for chief complaint, indication oflocalization on a mammograph, location of the lesion, pathological diagnosis, and complications during and afterthe procedure. RESULTS: Most patients(75%) had no specific complaint. Among the 60 cases, microcalcification,mass and combined lesions were found in 34(57%), 12(20%), and 14 cases(23%), respectively. The most commonlocation of the lesion was the upper outer quadrant(29 cases). A histopathologic report was available in 56 of 60cases. Among 43 benign cases(76.8%), fibrocystic disease was most common(38 cases, 67.9%), while among 13malignant cases, ductal carcinoma was most common(9 cases, 16.1%). In four of 56 cases(7.1%), failure to removethe target lesion was identified. Retrospective analysis suggests that movement of the patient during theprocedure is the most likely cause of failure. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Stereotacticlocalization is simple and accurate, and compared with the conventional method, requires less experience on thepart of the practitioner. Movement of the patient during the procedure may be the major cause of failure.