Mammotome^® Breast Biopsy System

The Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System

 The Mammotome is a minimally invasive breast biopsy device that offers women a diagnostically reliable alternative to an open surgical biopsy or core needle biopsy.  The Mammotome requires no stitches, can be performed in a doctor’s office in less than an hour and results in less scarring than traditional open surgery.

During the procedure, a woman sits up comfortably, while the doctor places the Mammotome probe through a single incision about the size of a match head.  Ultrasound imaging guidance is used to accurately pinpoint the suspicious tissue.  Once inside, the probe gently vacuums, cuts and removes the suspicious tissue for further examination.  Only a small adhesive bandage is required to cover the tiny incision and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately afterward.

 With the Mammotome, doctors can biopsy a wide range of breast abnormalities, from microcalcifications, tiny deposits of calcium within the breast, to lumps on the surface of the breast, both of which may indicate cancer.  In addition, at the end of the biopsy procedure, a radiographic MicroMark^® Tissue Marker can be placed directly into the biopsied area of the breast to help manage follow-up care, including future mammograms and biopsies.

 Today, more options exist, including minimally invasive breast biopsies that are gentler on a women’s body, require no open surgery, no stitches and can be performed in a doctor’s office.  Minimally invasive breast biopsies are rapidly replacing open surgical biopsies.  According to a consensus paper published in The Journal of the American College of Surgeons (Sept. 2001), 22 breast cancer specialists recommended that if a mammogram indicates a breast biopsy is needed, a minimally invasive breast biopsy should be performed rather than an open surgical biopsy.

 Breast Biopsies

·         The removal of suspicious tissue for examination

·         The only definitive way to tell if a breast abnormality is cancerous

·         More than 1.6 million American women undergo a breast biopsy each year – about 80% turn out to be benign.

 The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System

·         Helps doctors accurately diagnose breast abnormalities discovered on mammograms or physical breast exams.

·         Performed in less than one hour; requires only a single ¼ inch incision; no stitches required; uses local anesthesia.

·         An alternative to open surgical biopsy, the most common biopsy method, which can result in scarring and disfigurement of the breast.

·         Allows a woman to return to normal activity immediately after the procedure.

·         May be used with ultrasound or stereotactic imaging systems.

·         Performed in outpatient settings including physician offices, breast cancer centers, and hospitals.

·         Covered by most health insurance plans.

·         More than 1 million breast biopsies have been performed with the Mammotome.

 How It Works

·         Doctors use ultrasound or stereotactic imaging to direct a probe into the suspicious area of the breast.

·         The Mammotome gently vacuums, cuts and removes the suspicious tissue for further examination.

·         Leaves an incision so small (about the size of a match head) no stitches are required.

·         Women are able to resume normal activity immediately following procedure with only a small adhesive strip to cover the incision site.

Mammotome Instruction Sheet

TYPES OF BIOPSIES

Florida Hospital Flagler

61 Memorial Medical Parkway, Suite 2815

Palm Coast, Florida 32164

Office (386) 586-1850  ·  Fax (386) 586-1851