Which of the following statement(s) is/are true concerning tissue sampling techniques for breast masses?

b. The accuracy of mammographic-directed fine needle aspiration biopsy is comparable to that achieved for that of palpable lesions

Whatever tissue sampling method is chosen, only biopsy (examination of cells or tissue) and not physical examination or mammography can establish a definitive diagnosis and avoid delay in treatment. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) permits rapid, minimally invasive diagnosis of many palpable and some non-palpable, radiologically detected breast masses. The technique is both reliable and accurate. The incidence of false-positive findings is generally less than 0.5%. FNAB is not, however, so highly specific that definitive surgery (particularly mastectomy) should be performed without prior intraoperative frozen-section confirmation of the presence of cancer. Reported sensitivity of FNAB ranges from 7% to 99%; with 85% a good estimate of the true sensitivity in clinically relevant settings. Recently, x-ray-guided FNAB has been used to offer minimally invasive diagnosis in nonpalpable breast lesions detected mammographically. The technique is quite effective, especially for mass lesions. Accuracy is comparable to that achieved with FNAB of palpable lesions. Core-needle biopsy is a helpful tissue sampling method for palpable masses. The tissue obtained is useful for histologic analysis although inadequate for cytosol hormone receptor determination. The technique is also applicable by using mammographic guidance for nonpalpable lesions.