3-D breast biopsy now offered at Baptist Health La Grange

Eight out of nine women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. But with early detection and a fast, accurate diagnosis the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent according to the American Cancer Society. 

Eight out of nine women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. But with early detection and a fast, accurate diagnosis the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent according to the American Cancer Society. Baptist Health La Grange recently introduced 3-D guided breast biopsy, a minimally invasive technique utilizing the Hologic® Affirm Upright Breast Biopsy System which is used in conjunction with the Selenia 2-D and 3-D mammography system.

The availability of 3-D imaging for biopsy guidance facilitates the localization and accurate targeting of suspicious areas, including that than can be challenging to detect. The system offers several advantages over traditional stereotactic biopsy procedures including faster lesion targeting, and reduced patient procedure time.  

“The Affirm system offers dual stereotactic and 3D biopsy capabilities allowing us to move from diagnostic to interventional modes in just minutes. Biopsy times vary depending on the patient’s situation, but the procedure typically takes 45 to 60 minutes,” said Richard Waggener, MD, Radiologist/Medical director at Baptist Health La Grange “Because we only take a small sampling of tissue from the suspicious area, most women can resume normal activities the same day as the procedure.”

If a suspicious area is seen on a mammogram, a patient’s physician may order a breast biopsy to collect a small tissue sample for analysis by a pathologist. During the procedure, a patient’s breast will be compressed similar to a mammogram. Once the biopsy area is located, the physician will administer a numbing anesthetic, and tissue samples will be collected through a small skin nick.

“Baptist Health La Grange is pleased to bring this advanced technology to women in our community,” said Dr. Waggener. “The ability to biopsy small areas of interest that may not be visible using other imaging techniques provides a significant advantage to physicians and their patients. The hospital’s investment in this technology is another affirmation of our commitment to the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.”

For more information on mammography services offered at Baptist Health La Grange, visit BaptistHealthLaGrange.com.