THURSDAY, Oct. 4, 2001 (HealthDayNews) --A breast biopsy is not only about the doctor getting a large enough sample of that suspicious lump; it's also about leaving the healthy tissue around it alone.
This explanation of biopsy procedures thoroughly explores options women currently have.
On Sept. 26, Imagyn Medical Technologies, Inc. of Irvine, Cal. announced FDA clearance for its 22mm SiteSelect Stereotactic Breast Biopsy System.
The 22mm size (about .9 of an inch), along with the 10mm and 15mm size devices, completes the range of sizes available
from the company for the diagnosis of non-palpable (undetectable by touch) breast lesions. Importantly, the FDA approval makes
it possible for a larger specimen of suspicious breast tissue to be removed and analyzed. Larger is better as far as an accurate diagnosis is concerned.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, with the doctor using a computer-guided targeting system to locate the
suspicious area. The device then removes a single core of the targeted material without removing excessive, healthy tissue.
The biopsy procedure takes place under local anesthesia, with a minimal incision. The entire process, including the x-ray targeting of the lesion, takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
To get more facts about those most susceptible to breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society's page that discusses widespread
confusion about breast cancer risk.
