Common con ict in surgery: How to evaluate breast microcalcifications?

Objective: Breast cancer is still one of the leading causes of death among women. Microcalcifications are important cues for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Data from a total of 74 patients, who had microcalcifications in mamography and undergone wire-guided excision, was evaluated prospectively. Results: Pathologic examination showed 35% of patients (n=26) had ductal carcinoma in situ and / or invasive ductal carcinoma. 60% (n=6) of 10 lesions that were considered as benign preoperatively, diagnosed as benign in pathological evaluation whereas 65.6% (n=42) of 64 lesions that were considered as suspicious preoperatively diagnosed as benign by pathological avaluation. Conclusion: All microcalcifications in the breast should be evaluated by excisional biopsy beyond the core biopsy