The Breast Health Center now offers the minimally invasive Mammotome Breast Biopsy® System. Like the ultrasound and stereotactic procedures, the mammotome is an image-guided procedure that helps physicians locate breast abnormalities and obtain samples for diagnosis. It is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in less than an hour. The mammotome can be done with one small incision, without stitches and with less, if any, scarring to the breast tissue.

• The mammotome system's probe is attached to a special stereotactic imaging table. The table is equipped with an imaging system that takes x-rays of the breast from two angles. The patient lies face down on the table where there is an opening for the breast. Similar to mammography, the breast is compressed to facilitate the biopsy under image guidance.

• Local anesthesia is administered and then a small incision is made in the breast for insertion of the sample probe. Placement of this sampling device is guided by a computerized system using x-rays. Once the probe is in position in the breast, a vacuum system gently draws tissues into a sample chamber.

• Unlike other biopsy methods, the mammotome is capable of sampling a variety of breast abnormalities with just one small incision. The procedure has the ability to accurately sample tiny abnormalities in the breast called microcalcifications making early diagnosis of breast cancer easier.