The minimally invasive biopsies such as the Mammotome® Biopsy system, core needle biopsy, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) use computer-generated images to locate breast abnormalities. By accurately pinpointing and mapping the area to be biopsied, physicians can gather tissue samples (or cellular material) without making large incisions.
There are three methods for producing images in minimally invasive breast biopsies: stereotactic x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Stereotactic [STARE-ee-o-TAK-tik] biopsies use mammography (x-rays); ultrasound biopsies use high-frequency sound waves; and MR biopsies use powerful magnets and radio waves to locate breast abnormalities.
In a minimally invasive breast biopsy using stereotactic imaging, a patient lies face down on a special table with her breast protruding through a hole in the table's surface. The breast is lightly compressed to immobilize it throughout the biopsy procedure. The table is connected to a computer that produces detailed x-ray images of the abnormality to be biopsied. Using these images, the doctor guides a special sampling device (for example, a Mammotome biopsy probe) to collect tissue specimens.
Minimally invasive breast biopsies using ultrasound imaging are performed on patients in an upright or reclined position. Using a hand-held transducer, a doctor will move the device back and forth across the breast to generate clear images of the abnormal breast tissue. While viewing the images on a computer monitor, the doctor will guide a small probe into the breast to retrieve sample tissue specimens.
MRI Biopsies
Breast MRI biopsies differ only slightly from traditional needle biopsies. Although the needle looks the same, it is specialized and made of a different material, such as titanium, so it is compatible with MRI and can be used in an MRI suite.
The increased ability to detect cancerous breast lesions with MRI and biopsy them during the test is especially valuable for patients at high risk for breast cancer.