Due to the high rate of finding a benign lesion in this population, surgical excision should be avoided. A preoperative diagnosis improves the care of these patients. These patients are only done if follow-up is considered unlikely, prior to breast augmentation or pregnancy or in the high risk patient or one with extreme anxiety. We have found percutaneous breast biopsy to change the way we approach patients with non-palpable breast lesions. It offers a less invasive, less costly alternative to surgical excision with high accuracy, lack of cosmetic and mammographic deformity and few complications.
Patients also benefit from fewer surgeries if cancer is found .
We look forward to continued evolution of the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for breast cancer with the hopes for improved outcomes for our patients. In late January 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved for immediate use the General Electric Full Field Digital Mammography system in facilities that are MQSA certified. Digital imaging appears to be the greatest breakthrough in breast imaging in the last 25 years. Digital mammography improves the radiologist's ability to read mammograms, as there is improved contrast between normal and abnormal tissues making diagnosis easier. Images are obtained using digital technique and are displayed on a computer monitor for review.