Doctors Hospital Using State-of-the-Art Breast Biopsy System to Catch Cancer Early

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, but early detection and treatment increases survival rates to nearly 100 percent. The arrival of the MultiCare Platinum Stereotactic Breast Biopsy system at Doctors Hospital is providing patients with the fastest and most efficient cancer diagnosing equipment available.

MultiCare Platinum is a state-of-the-art system designed to improve the quality, accuracy and ease of breast biopsies by providing a minimally invasive alternative to open surgical biopsy. Breast biopsies allow physicians to remove a small tissue sample from the suspected area, which is then examined under a microscope for cancerous cells.

“The system uses advanced computer-assisted technology to map the precise site of a breast abnormality before a tissue sample is taken for biopsy,” said Nicholas Peponis, DO, chief radiologist. “Samples can then be obtained through a very small incision in the skin, minimizing procedure time, tissue trauma and healing time. Most procedures are completed in one hour or less.”

There are several ways the system improves the biopsy experience:

* A small incision is all that is needed for insertion of the biopsy instrument, allowing the procedure to be performed comfortably under local anesthesia, reducing tissue trauma to the breast and rapidly increasing healing time.
* A computer-guided targeting system assures precise localization of suspicious regions of the breast for efficient retrieval of tissue specimens.
* The design allows the patient to recline in a comfortable prone position throughout the procedure, shielding view of the biopsy from the patient. Patient comfort is further enhanced by soft gel pads placed around the breast for cushioning and arm support.

“When compared to open surgical biopsy, computer-guided breast biopsy can be less stressful for patients and there is minimal risk of complications. The optimal images it produces allows us to spot breast cancer at an early stage,” said Dr. Peponis. “The sooner we locate the problem, the sooner we can begin treatment, but a mammogram is the first step. None of this is possible for women who don’t get their regular screening mammogram.”

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women 40 years of age and over have a mammogram screening every year in addition to frequent breast self-exams. Mammograms can detect breast abnormalities while the affected area is still too small to be detected by touch.

The new system compliments Doctors Hospital’s advanced digital mammography technology and comprehensive scope of women’s health services addressing the physical, emotional and educational needs of patients.