The increasing number of breast screening programmes has led to the detection of mammographic abnormalities without palpable breast lesions. This book presents overviews of recent developments in the diagnosis of these lesions. It focuses on ultrasonographically controlled fine-needle aspiration (FNA), a new technique with advantages over stereotaxic methods. Utilizing a specially designed syringe, FNA under visual control is easier to perform and ensures that the needle targets the right elements in the lesion. Both this ultrasonic technique and the subsequent FNA cytology are extensively described. For the first time, the prognostic value of cytologic grading of breast carcinomas is demonstrated. In addition, the contribution of morphometry, DNA cytometry, immunocyto-chemistry and colour Doppler to the diagnosis of non-palpable lesions is thoroughly covered. The issues confronting the surgeon are discussed in the final chapter.
