Accuracy of Breast Biopsy Results in question!

The discovery of a breast lump leads to concern and discussion about who the best surgeon is to biopsy it.

When a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, we go about discussing treatment, surgery, prognosis, etc. And, when the biopsy result is negative we celebrate.

But a recent study had show we are forgetting a critical point in this sequence. Researchers sent 60 slides to breast pathologist in 8 states who had at least one years experience. When they compared the reports to that of a trio of experts they found that there were 17% of invasive and ductal cancer missed!!

Disagreement with expert diagnosis occurred more often among pathologists who worked in smaller or nonacademic practices with lower case volumes or when biopsies were from women with dense breast tissue.

New molecular

chemical techniques may improve diagnostic accuracy, but until then you may consider getting that second opinion from an academic expert pathologist; especially if there are any questions. Don't be afraid to question the pathologist!!