The current state of stereotactic core breast biopsy and mammotomy

Abstract

SummaryThe ‘standard’ stereotactic core biopsy technique represents a stable plateau in the evolution of percutaneous breast intervention. In the spring of 1993, a purpose-built stereotactic breast biopsy instrument, the Mammotomer` (Biopsysr` Medical, Inc., Irvine, CA) was developed. The stereotactic ‘mammotomy’ procedure allows the sampling probe to remain in the breast during the entire biopsy procedure, while tissue samples are automatically deposited into a ‘pathology cassette’ for tissue position coding and histologic processing. This technique improves accuracy and has replaced mammographic localization and open surgical biopsy at our institution. The classic breast diagnostic and therapeutic referral patterns involving the general surgeon, radiologist and patient are reviewed. Percutaneous breast cancer treatment methods are also discussed.