Spalding Regional Medical Center today announced the addition of stereotactic breast biopsy to its mammography services. Stereotactic, or x-ray guided, breast biopsy is an outpatient diagnostic procedure that is used to sample a breast abnormality. The sample is then tested to determine if it is benign or cancerous.
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a minimally invasive alternative to open biopsy surgery and offers the same accuracy. During the procedure, a radiologist or surgeon uses a scanning device that provides a 360-degree view of the breast in order to get the most direct access to the sample area. The procedure is beneficial to patients as it does not require hospitalization or general anesthesia. In addition, the procedure is less painful, takes approximately an hour to complete and leaves less scarring than open procedures.
“This new service is an excellent addition to our ever-expanding offerings of women’s services, which includes our recently expanded women’s center,” said Chris Locke, Chief Operating Officer at Spalding Regional Medical Center. “We’re committed to providing quality care and bringing advanced treatment options to our community. Women in Spalding, Butts, Henry, Lamar, Pike, Clayton and Fayette counties don’t have to travel far from home to receive this advanced treatment.”
The equipment was installed in late November 2006. The biopsy table is contoured to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for patients. Patients need a referral to receive the outpatient procedure.