Percutaneous breast biopsy: Effect on short-term quality of life

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the effects of percutaneous breast biopsy on short-term quality of life. Materials and Methods: The institutional review board approved this HIPAAcompliant prospective study. From December 1, 2007, through February 28, 2010, women undergoing percutaneous breast biopsy in an academic medical center were recruited to participate in a mixed-mode survey 2-4 days after biopsy. Patients described their biopsy experience by using the Testing Morbidities Index (TMI), a validated instrument for assessing short-term quality of life related to diagnostic testing. The scale ranged from 0 (worst possible experience) to 100 (no adverse effects). Seven attributes were assessed: pain or discomfort before and during testing, fear or anxiety before and during testing, embarrassment during testing, and physical and mental function after testing. Demographic and clinical information were also collected. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of TMI score. Results: In 188 women (mean age, 51.4 years; range, 22-80 years), the mean TMI score (± standard deviation) was 82 ± 12. Univariate analysis revealed age and race as significant predictors of the TMI score (P