Keywords:
Performed at one institution, Observational, Prospective, Quality assurance, Education and training, Cancer, Vacuum assisted biopsy, Diagnostic procedure, Biopsy, Ultrasound, Percutaneous, Mammography, Professional issues, Management, Breast
Authors:
V. A. VITALE1, F. Meani1, M. MANGANIELLO2, C. M. L. Catanese1, F. DEL GRANDE1, S. Rizzo1; 1Lugano/CH, 2Mendrisio-Ticino/CH
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2020/C-00973
Purpose
The usual radiologist practice is not involving facing patients; breast imaging takes exception, its model makes the relationship between radiologist and patient a paramount of the daily routine.
In the “Centro di Senologia della Svizzera Italiana” (CSSI), as in other comprehensive breast cancer Centers, the radiology department is often the patient entry point. Women can access radiology for screening, diagnosis or surveillance. In all such different pathways a biopsy procedure may be requested for the assessment of relevant findings. A previous wide population-based study shown that a breast biopsy procedure was requested in 62.6 per 10 000 women (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.3-65.0). [1]
Benign pathology diagnosis is common, although the benign/malignant ratio may vary from 0.2:1 to 5:1, [1,2] particularly depending on patients age[3].
From the patient point of view, uncertainty of diagnosis from a breast biopsy has shown to be much more stressful than for other more invasive and risky procedures, such as hepatic chemoembolization or fibroid embolization. [4]
Communication of a cancer diagnosis in the daily practice may be a challenge for physicians. In a breast cancer center, diagnosis delivery may involve breast nurses, surgeons, medical oncologists and radiologists, all with a different communicative approach. At the same time, patient reaction and feedback [5], is frequently shocking or even devastating[6]. Delivery of "bad news" demands the ability to be effective but humane, skilled[7] and compassionate[8]. In this setting a strong emotional exchange may be experienced on both sides.
The present study aims to determine the patient preference receiving breast biopsy results communication in the setting of a comprehensive breast cancer center.