Similar Accuracy Found in Core Needle and Open Biopsy Procedures

A new research review from AHRQ finds a large body of evidence suggesting that ultrasound and stereotactically guided core needle biopsy procedures used to diagnose suspicious breast lesions have sensitivity and specificity (accuracy of diagnosis) close to that of open biopsy procedures and are associated with fewer harms. Evidence also shows that freehand procedures have lower sensitivity than imaging-guided methods. There is moderate-strength evidence that women diagnosed with breast cancer by core needle biopsy were more likely to have their cancer treated with a single surgical procedure, compared with women diagnosed by open surgical biopsy. There is low-strength evidence that vacuum-assisted procedures have a higher risk of bleeding than automated methods. According to the new research review, “Core Needle and Open Surgical Biopsy Diagnosis for Breast Lesions: An Update to the 2009 Report,” more research is needed in key areas.

Core Needle and Open Surgical Biopsy for Diagnosis of Breast Lesions: An Update to the 2009 Report

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