Ind. - Local surgeons and radiologists now have an advanced way to gather breast tissue for biopsy and diagnosis without surgery. Stereo-tactic needle biopsy is an outpatient procedure that requires only a local anesthetic and no stitches. Results are very accurate and reliable. Paul Cronen, Amy Gifaldi, and Leon Michl perform Stereo-tactic needle biopsy at The King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison. Dr. Bill Skiles and Dr. Mel Skiles, radiologists at KDH, are also key team members.
Radiologists use mammograms to highlight and pinpoint the lesions for removal.
A special needle, attached to a probe, is then inserted into the breast and any suspicious tissue is removed. This technique eliminates the removal of healthy tissue and ensures that all suspicious tissue is removed for testing. Only a very small incision is needed and there is no need for sedation or systemic anesthetic. Stereo-tactic needle biopsy also allows doctors to remove tiny micro calcifications in the breast. These specks of calcium can indicate the presence of a small cancer.