Ultrasound

Here's what you can expect when undergoing a Mammotome® breast biopsy using ultrasound imaging: 
 

1. Minimally invasive breast biopsies using ultrasound imaging are performed on a patient in an upright or reclined position. Using a hand-held transducer, a doctor will move the device back and forth across the breast to generate clear images of the abnormal breast tissue. While viewing the images on a computer monitor, the doctor will guide a small probe into the breast to retrieve sample tissue specimens.
    
2. The patient is given a local anesthetic (injection) to minimize any discomfort.
    
3. Once the area to be biopsied has been located and mapped, the Mammotome probe is inserted through a small ¼-inch incision in the breast.
    
4. When the probe is positioned at the area of concern, it gently vacuums, cuts and removes tissue samples for examination. The samples are passed through the hollow chamber of the probe into a collection chamber. Because the Mammotome probe is directional, multiple specimens can be collected without having to remove and reinsert the device.
    
5. To continue to monitor your breast health following a breast biopsy using the Mammotome^® Biopsy System, the doctor may place a small stainless steel marker or a collagen plug with an embedded titanium marker to identify the biopsy site. While this tiny marker is undetectable to the patient, it enables a physician to keep track of an abnormality in future mammograms.
    
6. The Mammotome probe is removed after the samples have been collected, and the single incision is closed with a small adhesive bandage.