Vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) – qualification

What is the qualification for a mammotomic biopsy (VAB)?

The qualification for a mammotomic biopsy (VAB) is a consultation during which the doctor assesses whether a biopsy is necessary. A mammotomic biopsy is performed when small, suspicious changes in the breast are detected in mammography or ultrasound, which are not palpable during a physical examination but require further analysis. The goal of the qualification is to determine whether the change requires a tissue sample for further examination.

Who is it for?

The qualification is intended for women who have small, suspicious changes in the breast that do not exceed 1 cm and are not palpable during a physical examination. This is particularly relevant for women with suspected benign changes, such as fibroadenomas, as well as for suspicious changes that may indicate malignancy.

How to prepare?

Before the consultation, it is important to maintain proper hygiene of the breast area. On the day of the visit, avoid using deodorants, creams, or other products in the breast area. It is also helpful to bring previous mammographic or ultrasound results to assist with further diagnostics.

What happens during the consultation?

During the qualification, the doctor conducts a medical interview and thoroughly analyzes the results of previous imaging tests such as mammography and ultrasound. Based on this information, the doctor assesses whether there are indications for performing a mammotomic biopsy. The doctor also discusses the potential risks associated with the biopsy and presents further diagnostic or therapeutic steps.

Indications for performing a mammotomic biopsy

A mammotomic biopsy may be recommended if small, suspicious changes are detected that do not exceed 1 cm. According to the guidelines of PLTR and PTCHO experts, the indications for performing a biopsy include:

• Benign changes (BI-RADS 2) - recurrent symptomatic cysts, fibroadenomas < 2 cm in women < 30 years old (in cases of cancerphobia, pregnancy planning), and in women > 30 years old (unless the change is stationary).
• Suspicious changes (BI-RADS 4) - changes up to 2 cm, such as dilated ducts suspected of papilloma or cysts with suspected hyperplasia (with a malignancy probability ranging from 3% to 94%).
• Suspicious changes (BI-RADS 5) - changes with a high probability of malignancy (at least 95%).

Additional information

The qualification visit for a mammotomic biopsy allows for a thorough assessment of the indications for the procedure. The decision to proceed with the biopsy is based on the results of previous tests and the patient's health condition. The qualification process is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that helps determine the next diagnostic and therapeutic steps.