Biomedical subjects

Laura Liberman

Publications and source records attributed to Laura Liberman.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Carcinoma detection at the breast examination center of Harlem.

BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma is one of the leading causes of excess mortality rates in Harlem, an inner-city neighborhood with the highest mortality rates and worst life expectancy in New York City. This study reports the results of a breast carcinoma screening and diagnostic program in Harlem. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of a database of 49,750 visits to the Breast Examination Center of Harlem from 1995 to 2000. During this period, 181 breast carcinomas were diagnosed in 178 women. The medical records of these 178 women were reviewed to determine the method of detection, stage, and treatment. RESULTS: Among these women, 89% were black or Hispanic, 45% had no medical insurance, and 38% had incomes below federal poverty guidelines. Breast carcinoma stage, known for 167 carcinomas, was Stage 0 in 38 (23%), Stage I in 38 (23%), Stage II in 63 (38%), Stage III in 24 (14%), and Stage IV in 4 (2%). Fifty-six cases (34%) were minimal breast carcinomas. Of 181 breast carcinomas, 122 (67%) were palpable and 59 (33%) were nonpalpable, detected only by mammography in asymptomatic women. Nonpalpable, as opposed to palpable, breast carcinomas were significantly more likely to be ductal carcinoma in situ (30 of 55 [54%] vs. 8 of 112 [7%], P < 0.0000001) or minimal breast carcinoma (39 of 55 [71%] vs. 17 of 112 [15%], P = 0.0000001) and were more likely to be treated with breast-conserving surgery (47 of 56 [84%] vs. 76 of 110 [69%], P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A breast carcinoma screening and diagnostic program has been established in Harlem, a traditionally underserved area in New York City. Early, curable breast carcinomas were detected but outreach remains a challenge, particularly for the uninsured.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Percutaneous image-guided core breast biopsy.

Percutaneous image-guided core biopsy is an accurate, fast, minimally invasive, and less expensive alternative to surgery for the diagnosis of breast lesions. Percutaneous core biopsy is usually performed under stereotactic or ultrasound guidance, using an automated needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy probe. Use of percutaneous core biopsy spares the need for surgery in most women with benign disease and expedites treatment in women with breast cancer. This article reviews advantages, limitations, controversies, and future directions in percutaneous image-guided core breast biopsy.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMed2002

Breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS).

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon was developed by the American College of Radiology to standardize mammographic reporting. The BI-RADS lexicon defines terms to describe abnormalities on mammograms, and it defines final assessment categories that are predictive of the likelihood of malignancy. Although the lexicon is clinically useful and facilitates communication and research, there is still substantial interobserver variability in its application. Lexicons for breast sonography and breast MRI are in progress.

Breast Diseases↗

PubMed2002

One operation after percutaneous diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancer: frequency and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of and factors associated with performing one therapeutic operation after percutaneous diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of records of 350 consecutive women who had therapeutic surgery after percutaneous imaging-guided core biopsy diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancer. Records were reviewed to determine the frequency of performing one operation and associated factors. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: One operation was performed in 283 (80.9%) of 350 women, including 106 (95.5%) of 111 women who had mastectomy and 177 (74.1%) of 239 women who had breast conserving surgery. At bivariate analysis, one operation was significantly more likely in women who had no underestimation (p < 0.001), mastectomy rather than breast conservation (p < 0.001), axillary dissection during the first operation (p < 0.001), percutaneous diagnosis of infiltrating carcinoma (p = 0.001), or mammographic mass (p = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, one operation was significantly more likely if underestimation was absent (odds ratio [OR] = 10.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.2-24.7) or if mastectomy was performed (OR = 8.7, 95% CI = 3.2-23.5); for women who had breast-conserving surgery, one operation was significantly more likely if underestimation was absent (OR = 11.4, 95% CI = 3.9-33.2) or if a mammographic mass was present (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.6). CONCLUSION: One operation was performed in 80.9% of women with percutaneously proven nonpalpable breast cancer, including 74.1% of women who had breast-conserving surgery and 95.5% of women who had mastectomy. Among women who had breast conservation, one operation was significantly more likely if histologic underestimation was absent or if a mammographic mass was present.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Preoperative MR imaging-guided needle localization of breast lesions.

OBJECTIVE: MR imaging of the breast can depict cancer that is occult on mammography and at physical examination. Our study was undertaken to determine the ease of performance and the outcome of MR imaging-guided needle localization and surgical excision of breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review revealed 101 consecutive breast lesions that had preoperative MR imaging-guided needle localization with commercially available equipment, including a 1.5-T magnet with a breast surface coil, a dedicated biopsy compression device, and MR imaging-compatible hookwires. Imaging studies and medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Histologic findings in these 101 lesions were carcinoma in 31 (30.7%), high-risk lesions (atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ) in nine (8.9%), and benign lesions in 61 (60.4%). Fifteen (48.4%) of 31 carcinomas were ductal carcinoma in situ, and 16 (51.6%) were infiltrating carcinoma (size range, 0.1-2.0 cm; median, 1.2 cm). Carcinoma was found in 16 (45.7%) of 35 lesions detected in women with synchronous cancer, 10 (32.3%) of 31 lesions detected on MR imaging for problem solving, and five (14.3%) of 35 lesions detected on MR screening. The time range to perform MR imaging-guided localization was 15-59 min (median time, 31 min). Complications encountered in three cases were retained wire fragments in two and breakage of the wire tip in one. CONCLUSION: MR imaging-guided needle localization can be performed quickly and safely with commercially available equipment. The positive predictive value of MR imaging-guided needle localization (30.7%) was comparable to that reported for mammographically guided needle localization and was highest in women with synchronous breast cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Breast lesions detected on MR imaging: features and positive predictive value.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze features of breast lesions detected on MR imaging that had subsequent biopsy and to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of these features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of 100 consecutive solitary MR imaging-detected breast lesions that had MR imaging-guided needle localization and surgical excision. We described lesions, using terms found in a proposed breast MR imaging lexicon. Histologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Carcinoma was identified in 25 lesions (25%), including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 13 (52%) and infiltrating carcinoma in 12 (48%). Carcinoma was found in 15 (25%) of 60 masses versus 10 (25%) of 40 nonmass lesions; most malignant masses (73%) were infiltrating carcinoma, whereas most malignant nonmass lesions (90%) were DCIS. The features with the highest PPV were spiculated margin (80% carcinoma), rim enhancement (40% carcinoma), and irregular shape (32% carcinoma) for mass lesions and segmental (67% carcinoma) or clumped linear and ductal enhancement (31% carcinoma) for nonmass lesions. Visually assessed kinetic patterns were not significant predictors of carcinoma, but washout was present in 70% of infiltrating carcinomas versus 9% of DCIS lesions (p < 0.01). Carcinoma was present in 17 (19%) of 88 lesions classified as suspicious versus eight (67%) of 12 lesions classified as highly suggestive of malignancy (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among MR imaging-detected breast lesions referred for biopsy, carcinoma was found in 25%, of which half were DCIS. Features with the highest PPV were spiculated margin, rim enhancement, and irregular shape for mass lesions and segmental or clumped linear and ductal enhancement for nonmass lesions. Final assessment categories were significant predictors of carcinoma.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

To excise or to sample the mammographic target: what is the goal of stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether complete percutaneous excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target conveys any significant advantage or disadvantage at stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 788 consecutive solitary lesions in which the mammographic target was excised (n = 466) or sampled (n = 322) at stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy. Medical records and histologic findings were reviewed to determine the frequency of sparing surgery, discordance, histologic underestimation, rebiopsy, complete histologic removal of cancer, and complications. Statistical comparisons were made using the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Complete excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target was associated with a significantly lower frequency of discordance (1/466, 0.2% vs 8/322, 2.5%; p = 0.004) and a trend toward fewer ductal carcinoma in situ underestimates (4/59, 6.8% vs 12/60, 20.0%; p = 0.07). Complete histologic removal of cancer was significantly more likely if the mammographic target was excised rather than sampled (19/91, 20.9% vs 7/106, 6.6%; p = 0.006); however, among 91 cancers in which the mammographic target was excised, surgery revealed residual cancer in 72 (79.1%). Complete excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target yielded no significant differences in the frequency of sparing surgery, atypical ductal hyperplasia underestimates, rebiopsy, or complications. CONCLUSION: Complete excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target was associated with lower frequencies of discordance and ductal carcinoma in situ underestimation but had no other advantage or disadvantage. Among cancers in which the mammographic target was excised, surgery revealed residual cancer in almost 80%.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: a validation study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the false-negative rate of stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy in a validation study of lesions that had subsequent surgical excision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of 318 lesions that underwent stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy and subsequent surgical excision. A false-negative case was defined as a pathologically proven cancer in which stereotactic biopsy yielded benign results without atypia. Medical records, imaging studies, and histologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: False-negative findings were encountered at stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy in 3.3% (7/214) of pathologically proven cancers. False-negative findings occurred in 3.5% (4/115) of malignant calcification lesions versus 3.0% (3/99) of malignant masses (p = 1.0). The seven false-negative findings included five Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 5 lesions that yielded benign results at biopsy, one BI-RADS category 4 mass that benign breast tissue, and one BI-RADS category 4 cluster of calcifications in which no calcifications were retrieved. The false-negative rate was 10.0% (6/60) for radiologists who performed 15 or fewer previous stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy procedures versus 0.6% (1/154) for radiologists who performed more than 15 previous stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy procedures (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy had a false-negative rate of 3.3% that diminished to 0.6% with experience. All false-negative findings could be prospectively identified because of failure to sample calcifications or imaging-histologic discordance.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Histologic heterogeneity of masses at percutaneous breast biopsy.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether different histologic findings are obtained from different areas of breast masses seen on mammography when targeted on stereotactic breast biopsy. Twenty-one masses (mean size, 1.8 cm; range, 0.7-5.5 cm) underwent stereotactic biopsy using a 14-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy probe (Mammotome, Biopsys/Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH). The central and peripheral areas of the mass were targeted and biopsied separately, and histologic findings from the targeted center and periphery were compared. Six of 21 masses (29%) were heterogeneous, yielding different histologic results from the targeted center and periphery. In 4 heterogeneous masses, which constituted 4 of 21 masses (19%) in this study, surgical biopsy was recommended on the basis of findings obtained from only the center (n = 2) or the periphery (n = 2). Stereotactic biopsy findings in these 4 masses were atypia in 3 and radial scar in 1; none of these 4 masses had carcinoma at surgery. In all 4 masses that proved to be malignant, the diagnosis of carcinoma was made in specimens obtained from both the targeted center and the periphery of the mass. Breast masses can be heterogeneous, yielding different histologic findings from different areas of the mass. Our data suggest that sampling part but not all of a mass may miss certain histologic components of the mass, but should not result in a failure to diagnose carcinoma.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Determination of the presence and extent of pure ductal carcinoma in situ by mammography and magnetic resonance imaging.

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography to determine the presence and extent of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Retrospective review of medical records of women who underwent MRI and mammographic examination during a 23-month period revealed 39 sites of pure DCIS in 33 breasts of 32 women. No invasive or microinvasive tumor was found. Women ranged in age from 34 to 79 years (mean age 53 years). In these 33 breasts, both MRI and mammography were done before surgery. Reports and images of mammography and MRI were reviewed to determine if each study was positive for the presence of single or multiple sites of DCIS and the imaging patterns associated with these sites. Of 33 breasts involved, DCIS was discovered by MRI alone in 21 (64%), by both MRI and mammography in 8 (24%), and by mammography alone in 1 (3%); in 3 breasts (9%), DCIS was found at mastectomy without findings on mammography or MRI. MRI had significantly higher sensitivity than mammography for DCIS detection (29/33=88% versus 9/33=27%, p<0.00001). Multiple sites of disease were present in five breasts; these were better demonstrated with MRI in three, mammography in one, and equally by both in one. The predominant enhancement pattern of DCIS on MRI was linear/ductal in 18 of 29 breasts (62%); mammography found calcifications associated with DCIS in 8 of 9 (89%). The nuclear grade of DCIS found with MRI and mammography was similar; size of lesions was larger on MRI; breast density did not impact results. In this study, MRI was significantly more sensitive than mammography in DCIS detection. In women with known or suspected DCIS, MRI may have an important role to play in assessing the extent of disease in the breast.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Breast cancer in limited-resource countries: diagnosis and pathology.

In 2002 the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) convened a panel of breast cancer experts and patient advocates to develop consensus recommendations for diagnosing breast cancer in countries with limited resources. The panel agreed on the need for a pathologic diagnosis, based on microscopic evaluation of tissue specimens, before initiating breast cancer treatment. The panel discussed options for pathologic diagnosis (fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy) and concluded that the choice among these methods should be based on available tools and expertise. Correlation of pathology, clinical, and imaging findings was emphasized. A 2005 BHGI panel reaffirmed these recommendations and additionally stratified diagnostic and pathology methods into four levels--basic, limited, enhanced, and maximal--from lowest to highest resources. The minimal requirements (basic level) include a history, clinical breast examination, tissue diagnosis, and medical record keeping. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was recognized as the least expensive reliable method of tissue sampling, and the need for comparing its clinical usefulness with that of core needle biopsy in the limited-resource setting was emphasized. Increasing resources (limited level) may enable diagnostic breast imaging (ultrasound +/- mammography), use of tests to evaluate for metastases, limited image-guided sampling, and hormone receptor testing. With more resources (enhanced level), diagnostic mammography, bone scanning, and an onsite cytologist may be possible. Mass screening mammography is introduced at the maximal-resource level. At all levels, increasing breast cancer awareness, diagnosing breast cancer at an early stage, training individuals to perform and interpret breast biopsies, and collecting statistics about breast cancer, resources, and competing priorities may improve breast cancer outcomes in countries with limited resources. Expertise in pathology was reaffirmed to be a key requirement for ensuring reliable diagnostic findings. Several approaches were again proposed for improving breast pathology, including training pathologists, establishing pathology services in centralized facilities, and organizing international pathology services.

Biopsy, Needle↗