Interventional techniques in breast diagnostics - histological versus cytological evaluation of core cut biopsies of the breast

High speed core cut biopsies of breast tumors, sonographically or stereotactically guided, allow an histological examination of the tumor without surgery. It can be used prior to operation for the confirmation of a breast cancer and can to operation for the confirmation of a breast cancer and it can avoid unnecessary breast surgery in a bening tumors. Unfortunately, only some center are equipped with a pathology unit that allows an immediate histological examination. But ofen these institutes are provided with an experienced cystologist. Thus, the question arises if a cytology taken from the core cut biopsy is as reliable as an histological examination. (orig.)