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Summary of Breast Biopsy Methods |
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| Type | Used For | Needle Sample size | Anesthesia | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterotactic | Sample tissue from solid mass or calcium deposits | 10, 11, or 14 gauge needle; several (5-6) samples are removed | Local | Larger sample than FNA can lead to more accurate diagnosis; no stitches or internal scar | Multiple needle insertions; limited sample size may underestimate more serious diagnosis |
| Vacuum-Assisted (Mammotome or MIBB) | Primarily used for calcifications | 11 or 14 gauge needle. Requires 0.25 inch incision (approx. 0.6 cm); several (8-10) samples are removed | Local | Excellent for calcium deposits; removes several large samples with one needle insertion; no stitches; minimal scar | May be less accurate than surgical biopsy which removes entire lesion; not ideal for hard-to-reach lesions (i.e., near chest wall); operator dependent |
| Open Surgical | Masses, hard-to-reach lesions, (i.e. near chest wall) multiple lesions; masses with micro-calcifications | Requires 1.5 to 2 inch incision (approx. 4.0 to 5.0 cm); golf ball size area of tissue or more is removed | Heavy sedation; sometimes general anesthesia | Yields largest tissue sample; most accurate method of diagnosis (near 100%) | Causes permanent scar that may make future mammograms difficult to read; possible breast disfigurement; requires stitches and longer recovery |
Once the procedure is complete, the biopsy is sent to the pathologist for evaluation under a microscope. The results are reported back to the patient by their practitioner approximately 2-3 days after the biopsy procedure is complete.
Today’s women and men have the advantage of rapid, accurate sampling of the breast abnormality, helping to alleviate the worry and apprehension of a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s important to remember that on average 80% of biopsies come back non-cancerous. In the case a cancer diagnosis is the reality, the quick and early diagnosis can be key to successful treatment. The Mammotome-System helps the doctors at Great Lakes Surgical Associates quickly and accurately diagnose cancerous breast tissue for their patients, so the appropriate treatment can be sought in the most efficient manner.
Breast Cancer
One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer risk increases with age and every woman is at risk. Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer. Seventy-seven percent of women with breast cancer are over 50. Early detection of breast cancer offers the best chance for survival. Ninety-six percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years!