Therapeutic excision results in benign and borderline breast lesions by the breast lesion excision system (BLES)

Abstract

Background

Breast lesion excision system (BLES) is an alternative biopsy method that allows large specimens to be received from the tissue.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic results of the biopsies performed breast lesions using the BLES.

Methods

The study included 23 patients who underwent biopsy with the BLES between January 2014 and December 2016. All of the relevant procedures were performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, the excision site was closely observed using ultrasonography and analyzed for macroscopic residual lesions. All specimens were evaluated using the diagnostic or therapeutic accuracy or safety of BLES.

Results

The mean lesion size was 11.3 ± 4.4 mm. The size was ≤10 mm in 11 patients, and between 10 mm and 20 mm in 12 patients. Pathologic evaluation could not be performed in 1 patient due to an empty basket. According to the first BLES procedure, in the patient group with a target lesion size ≤10 mm, complete removal was achieved in 9 patients (90.0 %) and incomplete removal in 1 patient (10.0 %). In the patient group with a target lesion size between 10 mm and 20 mm, complete removal was achieved in 5 patients (42 %) and incomplete removal in 7 patients (58 %) (p = 0.019). No complications such as bleeding, hematoma, or infection were detected in our study.

Conclusion

BLES is a minimally invasive, safe and effective alternative to surgical excision, especially in suitable sizes, as it does not require general anesthesia and can be done as an outpatient procedure.