The diagnosis and management of pre-invasive breast disease: The role of new diagnostic techniques
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* Corresponding author: Ashutosh Nerurkar Ashutosh.Nerurkar@rmh.nthames.nhs.uk
Department of Histopathology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK
Breast Cancer Res 2003, 5:305-308 doi:10.1186/bcr721
Published: 9 October 2003Abstract
In recent years we have seen significantly increased use of minimally invasive diagnostic techniques in the management of breast disease. There is wide recognition of fine needle aspiration and core biopsy as the principal diagnostic methods. However, concerns exist regarding their reliability. This article provides a brief overview of the major diagnostic issues related to use of fine needle aspiration, core biopsy and ductal lavage. It summarizes areas of use for each technique, outlines the main diagnostic pitfalls and their causes, and provides a perspective on future developments in the field.