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. 2011 Mar;93(2):123-6.
doi: 10.1308/003588411X12851639107953. Epub 2010 Nov 12.

A review of needle core biopsy diagnosed radial scars in the Welsh Breast Screening Programme

G Osborn  1 , F Wilton, G Stevens, E Vaughan-Williams, K Gower-Thomas
Affiliations

A review of needle core biopsy diagnosed radial scars in the Welsh Breast Screening Programme

G Osborn et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Radial scars are benign breast lesions; their appearance on mammography may, however, mimic carcinoma. Needle core biopsy is performed for pre-operative diagnosis and, currently in Wales, all lesions with benign biopsy results are surgically excised. We have reviewed all cases of needle core biopsy-diagnosed radial scars from the Welsh breast screening programme, Breast Test Wales (BTW), and investigated the outcome of radial scars based on histology from surgical excision in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the current management of these lesions in Wales.

Patients and methods: All needle core biopsy diagnosed radial scars were identified from the BTW screening database from the start of screening in 1989 until the end of 2007.

Results: A total of 118 patients were diagnosed with radial scars on needle core biopsy; two patients had bilateral radial scars. Median patient age was 54 years (range, 49-68 years). Ninety-five lesions (79%) were thought to be pure radial scars on needle core biopsy; however, only 81 pure radial scars were identified on excision biopsy histology. Carcinoma was present in seven patients and ductal carcinoma in situ in nine patients at excision biopsy. In two patients, the cancers occurred in lesions reported as pure radial scars on needle core biopsy. Twenty-two lesions showed atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia (ADH/ALH) or both on excision biopsy; 14 of these lesions were classed as pure radial scars by needle core biopsy.

Conclusions: All core biopsy diagnosed radial scars, presenting as screen detected abnormalities, should be excised due to their association with premalignant and malignant conditions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overall imaging score of the needle core biopsy confirmed radial scars.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Histological grade of R5 lesions based on needle core biopsy specimens.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comparison of R5 lesion histology on initial needle core biopsy and final excision biopsy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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