Steriotactic Breast Biopsy  [return to the list of articles]

An excess of 200,000 women/year are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Over the past 30 years, mammography, which are x-rays of the breast, have greatly improved earlier diagnosis of breast cancer.

The fact is that a majority of cancers are visible on these x-rays before being felt. If caught earlier, the chances of treatment/cure are much higher.

In 1995 alone, 28 million mammographies were performed, and it is estimated that this will increase to 50 million by the year 2000.

Over the past 10 years, a new diagnostic tool has emerged called "steriotactic breast biopsy". This technique utilizes mammography coupled with computer technology to achieve an adequate specimen safely and much more simply with minimal patient discomfort. This out-patient procedure is performed through a small incision. It is done in one location without having to move the patient from the radiology department to the operating room and requires only local anesthesia. Usually, no stitches are necessary.

Research has proven this to be a safe minimally invasive procedure which, most importantly, is accurate and reliable and prevents added biopsies in the operating room.

If you are a patient who may require a breast biopsy, discuss this option with your family physician or surgeon. You can call our office for further information.