The role of fine-wire localization breast biopsy in the management of BI-RADS category 3-5 non-palpable breast lesions in northeastern Chinese women

A blinded retrospective validation study was performed in a university-based hospital in northeastern China to determine whether the breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS) defines a group of patients with nonpalpable breast lesions (NPBLs) in whom finewire localization biopsy (FWLB) is appropriate. We reviewed 182 consecutive patients with NPBLs who underwent FWLB. The patients’ preoperative mammograms were categorized according BI-RADS by 2 radiologists blinded to the pathological findings. The positive predictive values of BI-RADS categories 3-5 were 3.4%, 42.1%, and 76.9%, respectively. For category 4 NPBLs, the percentage of cancer for those aged < 40 years was significantly lower than those aged ≥ 40 years. For category 3 NPBLs, the percentage of precancerous lesions for those aged < 40 years was significantly lower than those aged ≥ 40 years. Chinese NPBL patients aged ≥ 40 years with category 4 mammographic findings, and all patients with category 5 findings should undergo FWLB. FWLB should be offered as a treatment option for Chinese NPBL patients aged < 40 years with category 4 findings or aged ≥ 40 years with category 3 findings.