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The Mammotome® is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses a vacuum device to take breast biopsies, with minimal pain and scarring. It is more accurate and less traumatic than previous methods and can detect noncancerous lumps. Results are typically available immediately. Other companies also manufacture vacuum breast biopsy systems.
A Mammotome® uses an MRI, ultrasound or X-ray technique along with a vacuum device to take breast biopsies. The procedure removes a tiny sample of healthy tissue, and the incision is so small, about 0.25 inch (0.635 cm), that no stitches are needed. A Mammotome® is normally treated as an outpatient procedure and requires only a local anesthetic.
The vacuum device used for a Mammotome® uses a computerized system to isolate the precise location of a breast mass on a mammogram. Unlike the previous core needle biopsy which used several needles to collect samples, the Mammotome® probe is inserted only once. Its accuracy is also superior to the center needle approach.
In addition to being more thorough than previous procedures, the Mammotome® approach involves minimal pain, nearly invisible scarring, and requires no recovery time. It takes less than an hour to perform a biopsy with this technique, and patients are able to resume daily work or recreational activities immediately. Results analysis is typically completed before the patient leaves the clinic or doctor’s office. This system can also be used successfully to detect noncancerous breast lumps, called fibroadenomas.
The Mammotome® is a simple and relatively quick in-office procedure. The doctor first sterilizes the skin on the breast and then numbs the affected area with an injection of a local anesthetic comparable to the type used by dentists. The device provides an accurate direction to the anomaly area, so only one probe is required.
Once the probe is in place, the tissue sample is drawn into the sample compartment of the device. Then the sample is given to the surgeon or radiologist for analysis. The sample is normally eight to ten tissue samples collected 360° around the incision.
The Mammotome® procedure normally, though not always, provides a reliable diagnosis of the breast mass. Most patients also reported that in addition to being a quick procedure, this technique was also much less traumatic both emotionally and physically than the core needle biopsy. Another advantage is that cancer that is initially discovered with a Mammotome® biopsy requires only one operation for treatment instead of two.
Several companies manufacture vacuum breast biopsy systems. Mammotome® is just a brand, made by Johnson & Johnson. Tyco also manufactures one known as the minimally invasive breast biopsy device (MIBB). More recently, a portable version, also known as a portable vacuum biopsy (HHVB), has become available, making access to this procedure more widespread.
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