| PROCEDURE |
Mammotome® |
Core
Needle |
Open
Surgical |
| DESCRIPTION |
Tissue sample obtained with a needle using gentle vacuum, which draws, cuts and removes tissue |
Tissue sample obtained with a needle using a spring loaded device which cuts and removes tissue |
Incision made in the breast and a large sample is cut and removed. In some cases, a wire is inserted into the breast to locate the lesion. |
| ACCURACY * |
Highly Accurate |
Accurate |
Highly Accurate |
| SAMPLE SIZE |
Sufficient tissue samples ensure accurate diagnosis |
Limited sample size may underestimate more serious diagnosis |
Tissue sample is one large piece which ensures accurate diagnosis |
| SCARRING |
Minimal |
Minimal |
External scar; internal scarring may interfere with future mammography |
| NUMBER OF NEEDLE INSERTIONS |
1 |
4 to 6 |
N/A |
| INCISION SIZE |
¼ inch |
< ¼ inch |
1 to 2 inches |
| INCISION CLOSURE |
1 adhesive bandage |
1 adhesive bandage |
stitches and surgical bandage |
| NORMAL RECOVERY TIME |
immediate |
immediate |
a few hours |
| ANESTHESIA |
local (awake) |
local (awake) |
general (asleep)or local with sedation |
| NORMAL LENGTH OF PROCEDURE |
30 min to 1 hr |
30 min to 1 hr |
1 to 2 hours |
| LOCATION WHERE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED |
Doctor's office or outpatient setting |
Doctor's office or outpatient setting |
Operating room or outpatient setting |
*Demonstrated in Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Ref: Roger J. Jackman, MD et al, "Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia Diagnosed at Stereotactic Breast Biopsy: Improved Reliability with 14-gauge, Directional, Vacuum-assisted Biopsy," Radiology, 1997; 204:485-488