Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial in prevention of seroma using fibrin sealant on latissimus dorsi (LD) donor site following breast reconstruction. To glue or not to glue? (original) (raw)

2008, European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)

Introduction: Core biopsy is frequently used in the investigation of breast lumps. However it can be difficult both to decide how many cores should be taken, and also how to assess adequacy of a specimen. A study was devised to compare benign and malignant breast core biopsy specimens, and whether they sank or floated in formalin. Methods: 79 consecutive patients with primary breast pathology underwent ultrasound-guided core biopsy. The cores were placed in specimen bottles containing formalin, and it was recorded whether they floated or sank. All specimens were sent for histological examination using routine staining with Haemotoxylin & Eosin and oestrogen-receptor antibodies. Results: Of the 79 biopsies assessed, 46 proved to be malignant, of which 39 (84.7%) sank. 33 biopsies were benign, with 22 (66.6%) floating. All but one of the false negative and false positive results could be explained by fat analysis of the specimens. Conclusions: This simple test, with a sensitivity of 78.0% and specificity of 75.9%, gives an early indication of the histological results. This can help by guiding the number of cores taken, as well as aiding the clinician by giving them more information at the initial consultation. From our results, it would seem reasonable that where there is a strong clinicoradiological suspicion of malignancy, a diagnostic biopsy should not be deemed adequate until a sinking specimen is obtained.

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