Once it is in place, a vacuum system gently draws tissue into a sample chamber. Then a rotating device cuts the small tissue samples and sends them to a tissue collection chamber. Tissue samples are then sent to a pathology laboratory to be examined. A small bandage is placed over the incision and the patient is able to return to her normal activities. Radiologists believe that this kind of breast biopsy is easier on the patient, is less time consuming and helps in making a highly accurate diagnosis.
Results are comparable to traditional open surgical biopsy.
The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System was introduced into the market in April of 1995 for soft tissue biopsy and in March of 1997 specifically for diagnostic breast biopsy. The procedure has the ability to accurately sample tiny abnormalities in the breast called microcalcifications making early diagnosis of breast cancer easier. More than 150,000 women have undergone the Mammotome procedure since 1995. The system is currently in use at more than 1,000 hospitals, clinics and breast centers in the United States. The newest Mammotome system, which received FDA approval in 1999, is a hand-held device that utilizes ultrasound guidance.