Intraductal papilloma is a benign breast tumor which needs histopathological verification because of the risk of cancer coincidence.
<bold>The aim of the study </bold>was to assess the value of the mammography-guided and ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted core biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of intraductal papillomas of breast and to answer the question if mammotome biopsy allows to avoid surgery in these patients.
<bold>Material and methods. </bold>In the period 2000-2011, a total of 2246 vacuum-assisted core biopsies were performed, of which 1495 were ultrasound-guided and 751 were mammography-guided (stereotaxic). In 76/2246 patients (3.4%), aged 19-88 years (mean age was 51,5) histopathological examination confirmed intraductal papilloma.
<bold>Results. </bold>Atypical lesions were accompanying intraductal papilloma in 16/76 cases (21%). Open surgical biopsy performed in these group revealed invasive cancer in 3 women. In all 60 cases (79%) with benign papilloma in biopsy specimens, further clinical observation did not show recurrence or malignant transformation of lesions.
<bold>Conclusions. </bold>Vacuum-assisted core biopsy is a minimally invasive and efficient method used for diagnosing intraductal papilloma of the breast. If histopathological examination confirms a benign character of the lesion, surgery may be avoided but regular follow-up is recommended. However, in all cases histopathological diagnosis of papilloma with atypical hyperplasia, should always be indication for surgical excision.