Pathological Results (Benign/Malignant) Can be Inferred from Macroscopic Findings for Breast Vacuum Associated Biopsy Specimens

Abstract Background: If the histopathological results could be inferred from the macroscopic findings for breast biopsy specimens, false-negative needle biopsies due to poor specimens could be prevented. However, no research on this has been reported to date. Methods: Biopsy specimens from 101 patients who underwent mammary gland Vacuum Associated Biopsy (VAB) were photographed with a smartphone, and the relationships between the macroscopic findings (presence/absence of turbidity, surface properties, presence/absence of white spots, and characteristic findings) and the pathological results (benign/malignant) were examined. Results: A significant difference was observed with regard to the presence/absence of turbidity: malignancy was detected in 33/37 (89%) specimens with turbidity and in 2/47 (4%) cases without turbidity (p<0.001). A significant difference was also observed regarding the surface properties: malignancy was detected in 14/70 (19%) smooth specimens and in 24/29 (83%) rough specimens (p<0.001). Also, malignancy was detected in 11/13 (85%) specimens with white spots, and the difference was significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: The pathological results (benign/malignant) were able to be predicted from the macroscopic findings for the breast VAB specimens. These findings warrant performance of reproducibility and prospective studies at multiple facilities.