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Biomedical subjects

H Higgins

Publications and source records attributed to H Higgins.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Papillary lesions of the breast: evaluation with stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted biopsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted biopsy (SDVAB) in diagnosing and managing papillary lesions of the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the mammographic and histopathologic findings of 26 cases in which papillary lesions were diagnosed at SDVAB. In all cases, subsequent surgical excision (n = 20) or long-term imaging follow-up (n = 6) was performed and correlated with findings at SDVAB. RESULTS: SDVAB of 26 lesions yielded tissue that was classified as benign in 12, atypical in six, and malignant in eight. Of the 12 lesions that were diagnosed as histologically benign at SDVAB, six were surgically excised. Of these six lesions, five yielded benign correlative results. The sixth lesion was thought to be discordant with the imaging findings, and was surgically excised and determined to be malignant. Of the six benign lesions that were not surgically sampled for biopsy, five decreased in size and one was not seen at radiographic follow-up. Of the six lesions diagnosed as atypical at SDVAB that were surgically excised, one was benign and five were atypical. None proved to be malignant. Of the eight lesions diagnosed as malignant at SDVAB, surgical excision demonstrated ductal carcinoma in situ in all eight; two also had foci of invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Benign and malignant papillary lesions of the breast can be reliably diagnosed at SDVAB when the SDVAB results correlate with the imaging findings. However, the extent of malignant papillary disease may be underestimated at SDVAB; in our study, invasive carcinoma was later discovered in 25% of patients with this diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Factors influencing smoking cessation in patients with coronary artery disease.

The purpose of this paper is to review the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics suggested as being predictors of difficulty with smoking cessation in patients with coronary artery disease. These characteristics include age, gender, socioeconomic status, social support, intensity of smoking, severity of coronary artery disease, anxiety, depression, hostility/anger/aggression, and health locus of control. In addition, nicotine addiction is discussed as a factor which may further compound this problem. Consideration of these factors in relation to the patient with coronary artery disease may assist in the delivery of an optimal and individualized intervention program to facilitate sustained smoking cessation. A brief overview of intervention strategies is provided.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Breast biopsy and guidance for occult lesions.

Biopsy and histological examination is the only way of determining with absolute accuracy whether a lesion is benign or malignant, as well as its exact nature and whether it shows any evidence of precancerous changes. Occult malignant lesions, not clinically detectable, may be found by the study of surrounding tissue in the course of the excision of a benign lesion. However, they are most often found by breast x-rays (mammography or xerography) which are done for: the survey of high-risk asymptomatic women; contralateral breast studies; symptomatic breasts without palpable findings; nipple discharge; large pendulous breasts; and multinodular breasts. Biopsies for occult lesions, based on radiographic findings, are recommended for: suspicious calcifications; stellate-shaped masses; breast masses with ill-defined borders or nodular contours; dominant masses; and areas of increased density or distorted breast architecture. In general, biopsy for these lesions is best done under general anesthesia, as an in-patient and as a two-step type of procedure, i.e., the biopsy should be studied by permanent histologic sections before making a final diagnosis. Preoperative localization can be done by measurements, markers, radio-opaque dye injections or by needle localization which we feel is the preferred technique because it is simple and accurate and allows for removal of only a small amount of tissue with better cosmetic results. The advantages and disadvantages of various types of needle localization are discussed and figures are given for 387 needle localizations in which 148 cancers were found (38.2%). Of these cancers, 54.1% were invasive and 45.9% were noninvasive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biopsy↗