# Histopathological Analysis of Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy in Relation to Microcalcification Findings on Mammography: A Pictorial Review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews 10 cases of vacuum-assisted breast biopsies, showing how they help diagnose microcalcifications seen on mammograms, improving accuracy and reducing unnecessary surgeries.

## Contribution

The paper presents a pictorial review of real-world cases to demonstrate the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy in diagnosing microcalcifications.

## Key findings

- Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy provides more tissue for analysis, improving diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional methods.
- Microcalcifications are often early signs of ductal carcinoma in situ, requiring precise diagnostic tools for differentiation.
- The cases highlight the integration of imaging and histopathology in clinical decision-making for breast lesions.

## Abstract

Mammography is an essential tool in breast screening, often revealing lesions that appear as microcalcifications with or without an associated mass. Decisions about biopsy requirements are guided by the BI-RADS system, aiming to confirm the histopathology of suspicious lesions while avoiding unnecessary procedures. A vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing breast abnormalities. Precise lesion targeting is ensured under stereotactic guidance, reducing the need for repeated procedures. Compared to traditional core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), it differs in using vacuum assistance to gather more tissue volume, increasing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the likelihood of histological underestimation. This is particularly crucial in cases where microcalcifications are the primary finding, as they are often the earliest signs of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Managing such findings requires precise diagnostic tools to differentiate benign from malignant lesions without subjecting patients to unnecessary surgical interventions. Building on several years of experience in our department, we have assembled a selection of ten interesting cases encountered in our clinical practice. Each case is documented with paired mammographic images and their corresponding image of histopathological findings, offering a comprehensive view of the diagnostic journey. These cases were selected for their educational value, highlighting the integration of imaging modalities, histopathological evaluation, and clinical decision-making. All cases underwent an extensive diagnostic workup at our facility. This compilation aims to provide valuable insights for both clinicians and researchers, offering a deeper understanding of advanced diagnostic techniques and their role in improving patient outcomes.