Introduction of Stereotactic Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy in Bulgaria

Abstract

Summary Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. The gold standard for biopsy is core needle biopsy. However, in certain cases, core needle biopsy cannot be applied, and the method of choice is vacuum-assisted biopsy. It is a minimally traumatic and precise method for diagnosing microcalcifications and small breast lesions. We aimed to present the initial experience with stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy in breast diseases at the Department of Surgical Oncology. We show indications and contraindications for this kind of biopsy and present our initial experience. From February 2020 to December 2022, 29 stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsies were performed. Benign histology was found in 9 cases, malignant – in 15, and 5 cases were precancerous. Therefore, being an innovative, minimally invasive, and highly accurate method for diagnosing breast lesions with a good cosmetic effect, it allows early diagnosis of breast cancer, and, last but not least, the procedure can be curative for benign lesions.