The introduction of imaging methods such as mammography and ultrasound for breast cancer screening means that minute lesions can now be detected. Although fine needle aspiration cytology is widely used in Japan, and has become the main method for obtaining the diagnosis of breast cancer, further histological techniques are required for confirmation of the diagnosis in minute lesions. Core biopsy and vacuum-assisted large core biopsies under ultrasonic guidance, etc. are newer diagnostic

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... es which involve only a minimally invasive approach incision and allow a more accurate histological diagnosis in these lesions. About 90% of nonpalpable mammary cancers can be identified by ultrasonic imaging, and stereotactic biopsy is indicated in only 10% of the remainder. Thus, if ultrasonic diagnosis becomes more widely utilized in general hospitals, the need for stereotactic biopsy will be decreased, and the great majority of breast cancers will be accurately recognized even if the stereotactic diagnostic tool is not introduced. Studies to discern purchasing trends for various types of diagnostic equipment are therefore warranted.