The Fast-Track Biopsy (FTB): Description of a Rapid Histology and Immunohistochemistry Method for Evaluation of Preoperative Breast Core Biopsies

Thirty-six core breast biopsies from 32 patients were paraffin embedded by use of an automated microwave processor. In addition, a quick immunohistochemical method was used in selected cases. The quality of the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides was very satisfactory, as were also the immunohist...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of surgical pathology 2005-07, Vol.13 (3), p.247-252
Main Authors: Ragazzini, Teresa, Magrini, Elisabetta, Cucchi, Maria C., Foschini, Maria P., Eusebi, V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adenocarcinoma - chemistry
Adenocarcinoma - classification
Adenocarcinoma - pathology
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biomarkers, Tumor - analysis
Biopsy, Fine-Needle - methods
Breast - pathology
Breast Neoplasms, Male - chemistry
Breast Neoplasms, Male - classification
Breast Neoplasms, Male - pathology
Female
Humans
Immunoenzyme Techniques - methods
Male
Microwaves
Middle Aged
Pathology, Clinical - methods
Preoperative Care
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Summary:Thirty-six core breast biopsies from 32 patients were paraffin embedded by use of an automated microwave processor. In addition, a quick immunohistochemical method was used in selected cases. The quality of the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides was very satisfactory, as were also the immunohistochemical stains for ER, PR, and Ki67 when compared to those obtained with the use of a conventional automated immunostainer. The time required to process the tissue to the final H&E stage averaged 2 hours 52 minutes, and the immunohistochemical method required 90 to 100 minutes. This procedure, which we named “fast-track biopsy” (FTB), is quick enough to be competitive with FNAC (fine-needle aspiration biopsy) in terms of turnaroundtimes. The superiority of core biopsy over FNA in terms of the morphologic information provided is widely acknowledged, the only major argument currently mentioned in favor of FNAC being the shorter duration of the procedure. With the advent of FTB, it would appear that even this last remaining advantage has been erased.
ISSN:1066-8969
1940-2465
DOI:10.1177/106689690501300303