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Gentler Breast Biopsy Procedure Reduces Trauma

Circleville, OH -- November 8, 2006 Since joining Berger Hospital’s medical staff last January, Dr. Gregory Boone has introduced a less invasive breast biopsy procedure for women with a suspicious mammogram or breast x-ray. The procedure, called stereotactic breast biopsy, requires no surgery or stitches, and offers women a much less traumatic alternative to the traditional open surgical biopsy.

Dr. Boone is a general surgeon with special interest and experience in performing breast cancer surgery. He noted, "Currently the only way to determine if a breast abnormality is cancerous is to perform a biopsy. More than 1.6 million breast biopsies are performed in the U.S. annually, yet about 80% are benign. Most biopsies continue to be performed by open surgery, which can lead to scarring, disfigurement of the breast and several hours of recovery at the hospital."

Gregory Boone "Whenever possible, a minimally invasive breast biopsy should be performed rather than an open surgical biopsy," said Dr. Boone. "Now women can get an accurate diagnosis with an outpatient procedure that is less invasive, less traumatic and easier on a women’s body. It’s a way to avoid the operating room altogether if it’s not breast cancer."

During the procedure, a woman lies on a table while the doctor places a probe through a small incision in the breast about the size of a match head. Using ultrasound or x-ray imaging, the doctor can accurately pinpoint the suspicious tissue and gently remove it for examination. A small adhesive bandage is required to cover the incision after the procedure is completed. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and women can return to normal activity immediately following the procedure.

For more information about stereotactic biopsy, call (740) 420-8365. Dr. Boone’s office is located in Berger’s Medical Office Building, 600 N. Pickaway St. Also, for information about screening mammograms funded through the Berger Health Foundation, contact Berger’s financial counseling office at (740) 420-8059.