The use of positive core wash cytology to estimate potential risk of needle tract seeding of breast cancer: directional vacuum-assisted biopsy versus automated core needle biopsy

BackgroundA disadvantage of the image-guided core needle biopsy is that needle tract seeding may occur and affect the local recurrence and overall survival rates of patients after breast-conserving surgery, although the chance is small. The purpose of this study was to compare the potential risk of needle tract seeding of breast cancer from ultrasonographically guided needle biopsies that were performed with a directional vacuum-assisted device and an automated core needle gun.