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Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy in the diagnosis of cancer recurrence at the surgical scar: a report of three cases

Laila Abu Tahoun1, Bayan Maraqa2

Affiliation and address for correspondence
J Ultrason 2022; 22: e57–e63
DOI: 10.15557/JoU.2022.0010
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Abstract

Aim of the study: Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is being increasingly used in the diagnosis of breast lesions. The advantages of vacuum-assisted biopsy over core needle biopsy include large sample and higher diagnostic accuracy. Indications for ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy include suspicious calcifications visible on ultrasound, architectural distortion, and very subtle or insinuating lesions. Case description: We present three patients treated for breast cancer with breast-conserving surgery who developed suspicious findings on mammogram and MRI at or near the surgical scar. The findings were subtle, small, or atypical lesions on ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed, and recurrence was diagnosed. The technique was advantageous due to real-time imaging, ability to control the path of the needle, obtaining multiple cores with a single skin puncture and single pass, supine position, no radiation, and no IV contrast. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy should be considered in cases involving multiple suspicious findings at or near the surgical scar, with subtle or atypical sonographic correlates. Vacuum-assisted biopsy is indicated; yet ultrasound guidance is more comfortable, no radiation and no contrast.

Keywords
ultrasound guided breast biopsy; vacuum assisted breast biopsy; core needle biopsy