The procedure is done with the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System, a minimally invasive breast biopsy device that allows doctors to biopsy suspicious tissue through a tiny incision in less than an hour with an immediate recovery. Studies show biopsies performed with the Mammotome® are as diagnostically reliable as open surgical biopsies in determining if a woman has breast cancer.
"Now women can get an accurate diagnosis with an outpatient procedure that is less invasive, less traumatic and easier on a woman's body. It's also a way to avoid the operating room altogether if it's not breast cancer, which is the case for about 80 percent of women," says Lorenz Ramseyer, M.D., a radiologist.
During the procedure, a woman lies on a table while the doctor places the Mammotome® probe through a small incision about the size of a match head. Using ultrasound or X-ray imaging, the doctor can accurately pinpoint the suspicious tissue and gently vacuum, cut and remove this tissue for further examination. Only a small adhesive bandage is required to cover the incision. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and women can return to normal activity immediately following the biopsy.
Many women are faced with a small breast lump. Most think their only option is to have an open surgical biopsy. On top of being scared that they might have breast cancer, the biopsy itself seems a daunting experience. The Mammotome® option is a reliable alternative to open surgery and produces less scarring and a quicker recovery.
More than 1.6 million breast biopsies are performed each year in the United States; however, approximately 80 percent of the biopsies performed turn out to be benign. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 203,500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 40,000 will die from the disease.
Minimally invasive breast biopsies are increasingly replacing open surgical biopsies in the United States. A paper published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (Sept. 2001) recommended that "if a mammogram indicates a breast biopsy is needed, a minimally invasive breast biopsy should be performed whenever possible."
In addition, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (June 24, 2002) concluded that the leading cause of physician delay in diagnosing breast cancer is wrongly assuring women with breast lumps that they were benign without performing a biopsy.
"Mammograms are not enough in many cases to make a definitive diagnosis," says Dr. Ramseyer. "And now with the advent of minimally invasive breast biopsies, there should be no reason for women to avoid a biopsy that can help them detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, when it's most curable." As with any breast biopsy procedure, procedures with the Mammotome® may present risks. Patients should consult with their doctors to see which type of breast biopsy procedure is appropriate for them.
Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy
Helps Women Avoid Open Surgery
Procedure Produces Less Scarring and a Quicker Recovery
The Women's Imaging Center at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center is offering women faced with a suspicious mammogram or small breast lump a less invasive breast biopsy that keeps women out of the operating room and avoids the stitches and scarring associated with a traditional open surgical biopsy.
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305 South 5th, Enid, OK 73701 (580) 233-6100 FAX: (580) 249-3982 |
