Core Needle and Vacuum-Assisted Mammotome Biopsy

Vacuum-Assisted Core Needle Biopsy and Mammotome Biopsy – Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Method with Many Advantages

Vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy, also called mammotome biopsy, is a modern method that offers many benefits. What exactly are they? What is vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy and mammotome biopsy, and what are the indications for performing it? You will learn this and more from the text below. We encourage you to read on!

 What Is Mammotome Biopsy?

 Mammotome biopsy (MMT), or vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy, is a modern method that combines the effectiveness of surgical biopsy with the minimally invasive nature of core needle biopsy. MMT is mainly used in oncological diagnostics and allows for rapid identification of suspicious breast lesions, including breast cancer. However, that is not all, as mammotome biopsy also enables non-surgical removal of breast lesions up to 2 cm in diameter.

What Are the Indications for Mammotome Biopsy?

Women may be referred for mammotome biopsy when abnormalities are detected during palpation, ultrasound, or mammography. These may include not only changes in breast structure but also skin color changes or nipple discharge.

Mammotome biopsy allows diagnosis of even very small lesions that are not palpable during physical examination. It is an effective method for detecting breast cysts, suspicious lesions indicating cancer, or fibroadenomas.

Importantly, if the procedure is diagnostic, lesion size is not a limitation. However, if the goal is removal, the lesion must be benign and not exceed 2 cm in diameter.

How Is Mammotome Biopsy Performed?

The procedure uses a device that creates a vacuum and needles with a rotating knife. This allows a single puncture to obtain a sufficient tissue sample for examination or to completely remove the lesion. The entire process is performed under ultrasound guidance. This means the specialist first locates the lesion in the breast using an ultrasound probe, then uses the mammotome to collect a tissue sample or remove the lesion entirely.

The procedure lasts about twenty minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia and can be observed on a monitor screen. The incision site is small and does not require sutures. After the procedure, a plaster and a compression dressing with a cooling compress are applied. Moreover, after mammotome biopsy, the patient can immediately return to normal life. Hospitalization is not required.

The collected samples are sent for histopathological examination. If the result is negative, the lesion is benign and there is no cause for concern.

How to Prepare for Mammotome Biopsy?

Mammotome biopsy does not require special preparation. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the patient must undress from the waist up for the examination.

After the biopsy, the breast may be tender. Therefore, it is best to wear comfortable clothing that provides comfort and is easy to remove.

It is also necessary to bring previously performed mammography and breast ultrasound results. It is crucial to inform the doctor performing the procedure about any bleeding disorders and anticoagulant medications. Additionally, it is advisable to prepare for some post-procedure limitations. It is best to avoid excessive physical activity and household chores for about three days after the procedure.

Mammotome Biopsy – Possible Complications

 Mammotome biopsy is minimally invasive and is considered one of the safer procedures, with complications rarely occurring. The most common complication is a hematoma at the puncture site. Only in rare cases do difficulties in healing or infection occur.

What Are the Advantages of Mammotome Biopsy?

Primarily, mammotome biopsy is an effective diagnostic method that allows identification of the nature of even small breast lesions. Let us also remember its efficiency. A single puncture allows obtaining a sufficient amount of tissue for histopathological examination.

Mammotome biopsy also enables removal of benign breast lesions up to 2 cm in diameter. There is no need to plan surgery or hospitalization.

The procedure itself lasts about twenty minutes. Afterward, the patient returns home and to normal life, although more rest is recommended for about three days. It is also worth mentioning that this method leaves only a needle puncture mark visible, without scars as in surgical incisions. Complications are rare.

If mammotome biopsy is performed in a professional clinic, patients can expect affordable pricing and the highest quality of services. Patients are cared for by experienced specialists in surgery and oncological surgery, which guarantees peace of mind and a faster recovery.