Breast biopsy with needle localization: accuracy of specimen x-ray and management of missed lesions.

Background. One of the more frustrating complications after breast biopsy with needle localisation is a missed lesion. To reduce the number of missed lesions, radiographs of the surgical specimen are usually obtained. In this study we determined the accuracy of specimen x-ray, the incidence of missed lesions, and the management of patients with this complication. Methods. The result of specimen x-ray was compared with that of a postoperative mammogram in 192 patients who underwent breast biopsy with needle localisation. The incidence of missed lesions was also determined from postoperative mammogram, and the management of patients with this complication was analysed