SOUND study - Sentinel node vs. observation after axillary ultrasound
This is a prospective observational study for the definition of the parameters of negativity in axillary ultrasound. The study aims to assess whether the ultrasound method, with the latest developments in medical semiology and new equipment can permit pathological oncology signs to be identified at the lymph-node level. In this way the negative predictive value of the method can be established as can the possibility to use it in axillary staging. The study is aimed at patients with a cytohstological diagnosis of small-dimension breast disease (T1) with a clinicallynegative axilla (N0) and who are candidates for breastconserving surgery.
Image-guided percutaneous biopsy
Vacuum-assisted biopsies have the main advantage of avoiding the multiple needle passages of the core needle biopsy; furthermore, greater quantities of breast tissue are
sampled with respect to those in core biopsies, facilitating the pathologist’s interpretation.
The disadvantages of vacuum-assisted biopsy are essentially a certain invasiveness, high costs and a learning-curve for the radiologist which more demanding than that for FNAC and core biopsy. Such biopsies have few complications (<10%), these essentially being haematomas and venous bleeding. Vacuum-assisted biopsies are conducted in the Division with stereotactic guiding, ultrasound and NMR.
Contrast-media mammography
A study of particular interest which may have wide-ranging development and important clinical applications is contrastmedia mammography. The examination is conducted like a
normal mammography but with the concomitant intravenous injection of iodine contrast medium. The study is aimed at patients with dense breast and a verified diagnosis of breast neoplasia. Informed consent is necessary for these patients.