The breast lesion excision system (BLES): a novel technique in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of small indeterminate breast lesions?

Abstract

To investigate whether the breast lesion excision system (BLES) could render formal surgery unnecessary in patients with small indeterminate breast lesions. Following review board ethical permission and the consent of each patient, we aimed to perform a complete excision biopsy, with a margin, of small indeterminate breast lesions that measure less than 1 cm. 76 patients with small BIRADS type 3 breast lesions underwent a BLES biopsy. Mean radiological lesion size was 7.1 mm (range 2-10 mm). 61 lesions had a final benign diagnosis, 6 of which underwent subsequent surgery although only 1 showing residual lesion. 15 lesions were malignant but with residual tumour at re-excision present in only 5 cases. The BLES biopsy is an efficacious technique at excising small indeterminate breast lesions with a complete margin without the need for follow-up diagnostic surgery in the majority.