Potential application of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision (US-VAE) for well-selected intraductal papillomas of the breast: single-institutional experiences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The study objective was to evaluate our experiences of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision (US-VAE) of benign intraductal papillomas, and to discuss its potential application as a minimally invasive treatment

METHODS: We reviewed the sonographic and histologic features of 29 benign intraductal papillomas removed by US-VAE. The procedure was recommended on the basis of our indications. For validation of selection criteria, the sonographic and pathologic characteristics of surgically excised 94 papillary lesions during the same period were also evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean diameter of the lesions was 9.8 mm (range 5-15 mm). There was no mass that abutted the skin or pectoralis muscle and extended the branching ducts. All lesions were category 3 or category 4a. The pathologic diagnoses of all removed masses were benign. Local recurrence was observed in one patient. According to the validation study, papillary lesions less than 1.5 cm of category 3 or 4a were mostly reported to be benign (95.9%, 47 of 49).

CONCLUSIONS: US-VAE may be a useful alternative to surgical excision in well-selected benign intraductal papillomas.