Pre-operative localization of non-palpable lesions in breast cancer by charcoal suspension.

Abstract

The use of preoperative localization procedures for non-palpable breast lesions (NPBL) is becoming more and more widespread, increasing the detection of early breast cancers. From October 1987 to July 1992, at our Institution, 253 patients (pts) with clinically non-palpable lesions underwent surgical treatment. Of the 253 pts, the lesions have been localized in 95 cases by a needle system, and in the other 158 cases by a dye injection of a 3% sterile charcoal suspension using stereotactic method (118 cases) or sonography (40 cases). The patients' mean age was 53 years (range 30-75). Mammography revealed regular opacities in 133 cases, clustered microcalcification in 75, diffuse microcalcification in 24, opacities with irregular borders in nine and opacities with internal microcalcifications in 12. The histological findings showed benign breast disease in 175 cases (69.2%), borderline breast disease in 23 (9.1%) and malignancy in 55 (21.7%). The benign/malignant/borderline lesions ratio was 3.2:1. The majority (70%) of these malignant lesions were small cancers (less than 1 cm in diameter) and without lymph-node involvement. The biopsy cost (benign/malignant/borderline ratio, patients discomfort and cosmetic result) has been acceptable.

• Authors: G Canavese, A Catturich, C Vecchio, D Tomei, M Estienne, L Moresco, A Imperiale, G C Parodi, T Massa, F Badellino
• Journal: European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology (Eur J Surg Oncol) Vol. 21 Issue 1 Pg. 47-9 (Feb 1995) ISSN: 0748-7983 [Print] England
• PMID: 7851552 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Charcoal

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Breast Diseases (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, pathology, surgery)
• Breast Neoplasms (diagnosis)
• Charcoal
• Female
• Humans
• Mammography
• Middle Aged
• Preoperative Care