It offers the patient an accurate alternative to surgery. Very early cancers can still be diagnosed using this technique. Core biopsy is an option for most women. The decision to recommend a core biopsy is made after careful evaluation of the mammogram. Fortunately, this happens in only a small percentage of cases.
Core biopsies have other advantages.
During a core biopsy procedure , the patient is placed face down on a table. Her breast is accessible via an opening in the table. The equipment used to perform the biopsy is located beneath the table. The breast is compressed, and a mammogram is taken. A computerized stereotactic machine then locates the abnormality allowing the radiologist to direct the needle to the right area.