Prior to recent biopsy advancements, physicians and surgeons routinely recommended open surgical biopsies. While this remains an accurate procedure, it is the most invasive biopsy procedure and results in external and internal scarring. The physicians at Family Surgical offer an alternative to open surgical biopsies using the Mammotome® biopsy system.

The Mammotome System is a minimally invasive, highly accurate product for helping doctors diagnose breast cancer at the earliest stages. It has been on the market since 1996, and more than 750,000 women have had successful breast biopsies using the Mammotome procedure.

The Mammotome biopsy is an image-guided procedure, requiring just one small incision in the breast. Mammotome biopsy patients generally experience minimal discomfort or scarring, and may return to their normal activity immediately following the procedure.

How does it work?
The patient lies on her back while the doctor obtains images of the breast tissue. The ultrasound images provide a full picture of the abnormality in the breast.

A local anesthetic (injection) is given to minimize any discomfort. Once the area to be biopsied has been located and mapped, the Mammotome probe is inserted through a small ¼-inch incision in the breast.

When the probe is positioned at the area of concern, it gently vacuums, cuts and removes tissue samples for examination. The samples are passed through the hollow chamber of the probe into a collection chamber. Because the Mammotome probe is directional, multiple specimens can be collected without having to remove and reinsert the device.

The Mammotome probe is removed after the samples have been collected, and the single incision is closed with a small adhesive bandage.

Better sampling means better diagnosis
Because of its clean, thorough tissue sampling, procedures with the Mammotome System provide specimens that are as reliable as open surgical specimens. This, in turn, helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis. Since 80% of all breast biopsies are benign, the Mammotome System minimizes the amount of healthy breast tissue that is removed from the breast to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

For more information, please call 269-979-6400 or email info@famsurg.com.