Mammographic Local Staging of Breast Carcinoma: Methods and Limitations

Mammographic local staging of invasive carcinoma and DCIS begins during diagnostic mammogra- phy before the first biopsy intervention and continues through the wire localization, excision, and pathologic evaluation of the entire extent of the lesion. Better under- standing of the limitations of mammographic staging can direct future research and development. For the evaluation of pre-existing or novel local staging techniques for breast carcinoma, outcomes not only include breast cancer overall survival and disease-free survival, but local recurrence after breast conservation treatment as well as the need for re- excision after primary excision.