The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System

The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System is a technological advancement that assists physicians in obtaining the right amount of breast tissue for a definitive diagnosis without surgery.  The Mammotome's ability to sample tiny abnormalities called microcalcifications- which can be the earliest or only sign of cancer- makes early detection and accurate diagnosis easier. You can be confident in your biopsy results because the Mammotome Breast Biopsy System is designed to accurately diagnose breast cancer at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.
 

You will feel at ease during the procedure because a Mammotome biopsy causes little pain, requires no sutures, and can be performed quickly.  Stereotactic (X-rays from two angles) or ultrasound (sound waves) images guide the Mammotome probe into the abnormal area and multiple tissue samples are removed.

Other biopsy options.

     Core Needle Biopsy:  An earlier form  of non-surgical biopsy, called a core needle biopsy, is guided by stereotactic images and withdraws tissue through a spring-loaded device fired into the breast. A single sample is obtained each time the device is fired, so multiple insertions are needed to obtain sufficient breast tissue. Usually, 10 to 20 samples are taken.

     Open Surgical Biopsy:   Until the last few years, most biopsies were open surgical biopsies. First, a radiologist places a wire into the breast via mammography, locating the suspicious site. Then the surgeon, using the wire as a guide, makes an incision in the breast and removes a large section of tissue (about the size of a golf ball) for examination.  Removal of such a large piece of tissue can permanently disfigure the breast. The surgery usually requires 1 day of recuperation at home.
 

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Mammotome Biopsy Procedure

Under stereotactic or ultrasound guidance, the Mammotome probe is positioned in the breast, aligning the sample chamber with the lesion.

Once in position, the vacuum system draws tissue into the sample chamber.

The rotating cutting device is advanced, capturing a tissue sample.  The sample is then carried through the probe to the tissue collection area.

The physician rotates the probe, moving the sample chamber to the next position.  The sequence is repeated until all desired areas have been sampled.  The probe is removed, pressure will be applied to the biopsy site and an adhesive bandage applied to the skin nick.

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Research supports Mammotome biopsies.

Physicians have studied the Mammotome to document its effectiveness in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Key findings include:
 

A 100 percent correlation exists between Mammotome biopsies and surgical biopsies in the diagnosis of two early-stage conditions: atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), a benign condition that can sometimes become cancerous, and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a cancer that has not spread.

A Mammotome biopsy is 3 times more accurate than a core needle biopsy in diagnosing conditions associated with early stage breast cancer.

The Mammotome is better at retrieving tiny abnormalities called microcalcifications than the core
needle method.

Questions and answers about the Mammotome Breast Biopsy System.

Q Is this an accepted procedure?
A Yes. More than 270,000 Mammotome breast biopsy procedures have been performed. The Mammotome is available at 1,200 hospitals, clinics and breast centers in the United States.

Q Will I feel any pain? Will I have a scar?
A You will receive a small amount of local anesthesia and generally will not feel anything during the procedure. Your scar should be very small since only a skin nick is required to introduce the Mammotome probe.

Q How can I get more information on the Mammotome?
A Consult your physician, or call 1-888-298-9378 to receive additional information.

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Why a breast biopsy may be necessary.

A change in your breast, such as an abnormality detected by a mammogram or a lump found by you or your doctor may or may not be cancerous. In order to determine whether an area of concern is malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous), a physician must perform a biopsy.
 

A breast biopsy is the removal of a sample of breast tissue for examination and is the only definitive way to determine if an abnormality is cancerous or not.  Fortunately, 80 percent of biopsies result in a  benign diagnosis. Howeve1;  if cancer is

present, it is crucial that you know the type and stage of the disease as early as possible. Through early detection and accurate diagnosis, more treatment options are available and a complete recovery is more likely.                                                                               to beginning     Back to Brochures