Ultrasound‐guided large needle core biopsy of the axilla

PURPOSE: To study the diagnostic yield and safety aspects of large needle core biopsy of pathologic lesions in the axillary region using a semi-automatic biopsy gun. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A series of 21 consecutive large needle core (14G, 2.1 mm) biopsies of the axilla was evaluated. The biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance with one (n = 13) or two (n = 8) needle passes. The results were correlated to the clinical, mammographic, ultrasound and surgical histopathologic findings. RESULTS: In 18 patients, specimens large enough for diagnosis were retrieved. In two patients the specimens were insufficient and non-diagnostic. In one patient with a non-malignant yield the result was false-negative. No neural or vascular injury occurred. CONCLUSION: The procedure might be safely employed in the diagnosis of ultrasonographically demonstrable lesions of the axilla, whenever specimens larger than those obtainable with a fine needle are desired.