Mammography & Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Services

Digital Mammography

The Digital 3D Mammography Unit with Breast Tomosynthesis is proven to detect up to 20% to 65% more invasive cancers, reduce callbacks up to 40% and FDA approved as superior for women with dense breast compared to a 2D unit alone. Our system is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology and receives annual inspections through the FDA for compliance.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy (offered at the hospital)

A breast biopsy using a Mammotome vacuum-assisted breast biopsy device can help a doctor make a highly accurate breast cancer diagnosis without the need for open breast biopsy surgery. Through the use of computer imaging (x-ray, ultrasound or MRI), a breast abnormality can be clearly identified and mapped, even in its earliest stages. Digital imaging enables a physician to guide the Mammotome probe into the breast to gently collect tissue samples through one small ¼-inch incision.

With a Mammotome biopsy device, a breast biopsy can be performed in an outpatient setting or a doctor’s office under local anesthesia. A doctor can make a precise analysis with minimal pain, scarring and recovery time for the patient. The entire procedure generally takes less than an hour, and the patient can return to her normal daily activity immediately afterward.

What You Should Know

The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System has been used in over 5 million procedures worldwide. It is minimally invasive and causes little discomfort. Yet, the Mammotome breast biopsy devices are highly accurate in helping your doctor diagnose a variety of breast abnormalities; from those you can feel (palpable lesions) to those you cannot feel (non-palpable lesions).

Diagnoses of samples obtained with a Mammotome breast biopsy device are highly reliable, but unlike an open surgical biopsy, the Mammotome breast biopsy device lets you have your biopsy in a procedure room or doctor’s office rather than an operating room. Also your incision will be so small that it will not require stitches.

Advantages

A breast biopsy using a Mammotome breast biopsy device can help a doctor make a highly accurate diagnosis of a breast abnormality without the need for open surgery. The devices can also be used for a non-cancerous breast lump such as a fibroadenoma. A lump may be reduced in size at the same time it is biopsied, often to the point where the lump may no longer be seen under ultrasound or felt during self-examination.

Risks and Complications

The Mammotome breast biopsy devices are intended for diagnostic use only and are not indicated for therapeutic use. Use of the Mammotome instruments is contraindicated for those patients where increased risk or complications may be associated with core removal or biopsy based upon the physician’s judgment. Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy or who may have bleeding disorders may be at increased risk. As with any breast biopsy procedure, a breast biopsy with a Mammotome breast biopsy device may present risks. Patients should consult with their doctors to discuss which type of breast biopsy procedure is appropriate for them.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a very valuable tool in diagnostic imaging. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to acquire images. Ultrasound can provide information on organ structure, movement and blood flow, and the exam is typically painless and brief. We offer all ultrasound studies including thyroid, pelvis, breast, abdomen and heart echocardiograms.