Histological Outcome of Needle Core Biopsies in Breast Lesions and Advantage of Using Reporting Categories of Royal College of Pathologists, London (UK)

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of various categories of lesions in needle core biopsies done in breast lumps and the utility of using the reporting categories (B1 – B5) of the Royal College of Pathologists London (United Kingdom).

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Histopathology, Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan to Dec 2021.

Methodology: The study included one hundred cases of needle core biopsies done on breast lumps. After processing the tissue, the slides were made and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Microscopic evaluation was done by the consultant Histopathologist. The frequency of various breast lesions was analyzed, and they were categorized into different ‘B’ categories according to Royal College of Pathologists guidelines.

Results: The lesions included in B1 category (Normal tissue) comprised five cases (5%), B2 category (Benign) twenty cases (20%), B3 category (Uncertain malignant potential) twelve cases (12%), B4 category (Suspicious for malignancy) three cases (3%) and B5 category (Malignant) sixty cases (60%).

Conclusion: Reporting of needle core biopsies, according to the reporting categories of the Royal College of Pathologists, London (B1–B5), gives a precise diagnosis of most lesions and provides the clinician with a clear road map for further management. B5 Category (Malignant) lesions are needle core biopsies' most common histological outcomes.