Authors: Simonetta Bianchi Saverio Caini Maria Grazia Cattani Vania Vezzosi Mauro Biancalani Domenico Palli
Publish Date: 2009/05/17
Volume: 15, Issue: 4, Pages: 725-
Abstract
The widespread implementation of mammography screening has resulted in an increased frequency of needle core biopsies NCB The aim of this study was that of evaluating the diagnostic reproducibility on breast NCB according to the Bclassification among several pathologists from different Italian regions Fifty single slides of NCBs performed for non palpable breast lesions were selected to evaluate the diagnostic reproducibility according to the B classification among 31 pathologists from different Italian areas involved in the pathologic diagnosis of screendetected breast lesions According to the study majority diagnosis MD 21 cases were classified as B2 benign lesion 23 B3 lesion of uncertain malignant potential and 6 B5 malignant lesion Overall individual kappa coefficients in comparison to MD were good mean 061 range 031–088 The level of interobserver agreement however appeared lower in differentiating the two intermediate categories B2 and B3 thus potentially leading to overtreatment falsepositives 26 or undertreatment falsenegatives 17 of individual patients Specific subtypes of B3 need an improvement of the diagnostic definition A multidisciplinary approach and consultation with expert colleagues are recommended
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