Lisa F. Baron, M.D., Chief of Mammography, Hollings Mammography Center

The stereotactic breast biopsy program at the Hollings Mammography Center “meets the most rigorous standards set forth by the American College of Radiology,” as demonstrated by its recent accreditation by the American College of Radiology.

“It is the first center in Charleston and one of only three in South Carolina to have been accredited,” said Donald Frey, Ph.D., director of diagnostic physics.

“The stereotactic machine is tested each day,” said Nancy G. Jones, RT, RM, chief technologist of quality control. “We need to ensure that the machine is perfect each time and fix any problems immediately before performing a biopsy.”

Jones has been a mammography technologist for 30 years and has witnessed great advances in breast cancer detection. “The stereotactic unit is incredibly accurate and the procedure relatively comfortable,” she said. “It has been a great asset to breast cancer screening and detection.”

The Stereotactic Breast Biopsy program at MUSC has been in operation since 1992 and works closely with the Hollings Cancer Center. In 1996 the unit was completely updated with the newest and most advanced technology including a fully digital system and the addition of the Mammotome biopsy system. This has allowed many women with abnormal mammograms to receive the needed biopsy without an operation.

A stereotactic biopsy is a special way of removing a small sample of breast tissue with the aid of a computer. The procedure usually lasts about an hour and is performed at the hospital. A special mammography machine is connected to a computer which precisely guides the biopsy needle to remove the abnormal tissue.

The procedure is performed with the woman lying on her stomach. A small opening within the table allows the breast to be placed into the compression units where pictures are taken. The computer calculates the exact location to be sampled. The skin is cleansed and the breast is numbed with lidocaine. A small skin incision is made in the breast about the size of an eraser head. Then a special needle is inserted and a sample of tissue removed. Once adequate sampling is obtained, the procedure is completed. The breast is released from compression and a small bandage is placed over the biopsy site. The patient is able to leave and resume her normal activities.

If the biopsy report indicates the tissue is benign, the patient receives a close follow up. But if the biopsy reveals cancer, the patient is referred to the Hollings Cancer Center for further treatment.

Information on the Stereotactic Breast Biopsy program at the Medical University or about scheduling a mammogram can be obtained by calling 792-1999.