Kim Johanson, 53, has a family history of cancer. Because her maternal grandmother and great grandmother both had breast cancer, she is considered at high risk. For years, she underwent an annual screening mammogram before increasing the frequency to one every six months because of fibrocystic changes. At her last mammogram, indeterminate calcifications had developed since her previous exam.

Because of her family history, Kim’s radiologist recommended a stereotactic breast biopsy, which uses specialized technology to guide a physician to the site of the lump or lesion.

“I had been getting regular mammograms since I was 45, and thanks to the tremendous advances in mammography, my radiologist was able to detect even the smallest of changes,” said Kim. “Stereotactic breast biopsy was my best option because it wasn’t considered an invasive surgery and the results could determine if the area was cancerous, which it was not.”

What Is the Procedure?
When a breast biopsy is recommended, tissue from the suspicious area previously was removed through surgery. At Verde Valley Medical Center, physicians can utilize stereotactic technology, which uses “stereo” X-rays and a specialized biopsy needle to aspirate, or vacuum, the tissue to be tested. While the needle is inserted, its location can be viewed with a computer to ensure accuracy in positioning. Because stereotactic breast biopsy utilizes only the needle to obtain a tissue sample, women undergoing the procedure benefit in a number of ways. “An estimated 5 to 10 percent of indeterminate calcifications are found to be cancerous or precancerous,” said Steven Yousko, M.D., radiologist on the Medical Staff at VVMC. “Before stereotactic breast biopsy, this meant women underwent an invasive surgical procedure that most often was for benign causes.”

What to Expect
Because of its minimally invasive nature, stereotactic breast biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis. To begin, a patient lies on a specialized table where her breast is projected through a hole and placed under mild compression. A low-radiation dose X-ray is taken at different angles to best pinpoint the lesion. A local anesthetic is applied to the area and the radiologist then inserts the biopsy needle with the assistance of a computercontrolled device.

The entire procedure takes an estimated 30 to 40 minutes, and typically requires a single, small incision.

Reaping the Benefits
For Kim, the ease of the procedure took her by surprise. “The stereotactic breast biopsy was a very simple procedure,” she said. “Beforehand, Dr. Yousko sat down with me and explained every single thing he was going to do. I was just amazed—there was no pain, no discomfort and no fear. I cannot emphasize enough to women the importance of monthly selfbreast exams, regular mammograms and follow-up with their physicians.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Have you had your annual mammogram? To schedule, call 928 639-6580.

A Better Biopsy
In addition to avoiding an invasive surgical procedure, stereotactic breast biopsy at Verde Valley Medical Center provides advantages including:

• less pain
• no need for hospitalization
• one-third the cost of an open surgical biopsy
• shortened recovery time
• utilization of local—instead of general—anesthetic

Did You Know?
Flying from New York to California on a commercial jet exposes a woman to approximately the same amount of radiation as having one mammogram.

Steven Yousko, M.D., and Kim Johanson discuss the stereotactic biopsy procedure.