title: Stereotactic breast biopsy: a review.
abstract: In 2008, more than 40,000 women died from breast cancer in the United States. Breast cancer is a devastating public health concern that is best addressed through early detection and treatment. Once a suspicious breast finding is detected, only a biopsy can determine whether it is benign or malignant. Stereotactic breast biopsy uses mammography, ultrasound and occasionally magnetic resonance imaging to guide the placement of a biopsy needle into the breast. A computer plots the coordinates, which help guide the needle to the precise location of a mass or suspicious finding to extract a tissue sample. Stereotactic breast biopsy has its limitations, but its benefits include decreased patient pain and anxiety, quick recovery time and cost-effectiveness. Most importantly, it can prevent women with benign findings from undergoing surgical biopsy.
authors.affiliation: University of California-Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: April
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques