Value of needle biopsy in outpatient diagnosis of breast cancer.

Outpatient needle biopsy of suspected breast cancers has been performed on 151 patients. Of 135 who were ultimately diagnosed as having a malignant tumor, 107 were correctly diagnosed on the initial needle biopsy, a success rate of 79%. The procedure is well tolerated by most patients and enables family support during a very stressful period. Furthermore, outpatient histopathologic confirmation of cancer allows adequate preoperative investigation and more efficient use of operating theater time.