Nationwide Survey of Use of Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy in South Korea

Background: Image-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) is used for detecting breast lesions in South Korea. However, no clear guidelines for VABB exist. Materials and Methods: A 53-item survey was administered to members of the Korean Breast Cancer Society between July 27 and August 27, 2010. Results: Among 62 respondents, 87.1% had performed VABB, with 63.0% performing both diagnosis and treatment. Around 62.5% used VABB for diagnosing Ultrasound Breast ImagingReporting and Data System (USG BIRAD) Category 3 lesions, 55% for Category 4A, 57.5% for microcalcifications detected by ultrasonography, and 30% for small Category 5. Furthermore, 81.3% used VABB to treat Category 3 lesions; while 67.8% diagnosed benign lesions on core needle biopsy, requiring surgical excision. About 83% used VABB for small tumors (<3 cm). Among therapeutically excised tumors, 86.4% reported fibroadenoma. Conclusion: VABB is performed for diagnosis and treatment in South Korea, and complies with the available guidelines. However, national and global standards and guidelines for VABB need to be established.