STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY

Since July, 1, 1998, Medicare has covered Bone Mineral Density testing for five groups of qualified individuals:

• Estrogen- deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis
• Anyone with vertebral abnormalities as demonstrated by x-ray to be indicative of osteoporosis, low bone mass, or vertebral fracture
• Individuals receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
• Individuals with primary hyperparathyriodism
• Anyone being monitored to assess the response to the efficacy of an FDA-approved osteoporosis drug therapy

If you are concerned about osteoporosis or fit into one of the above groups, please consult your physician.

Fighting Breast Cancer Risk with Stereotactic
One on the most significant criteria for breast cancer survival is the size of the cancer at the time it is discovered. Annual mammograms help detect cancer at an early stage when the size is small and survival is highest. Each year an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 women undergo a breast biopsy. The good news is, 70-80 percent of biopsies show no cancer. Women should consider stereotactic biopsy technique for three major advantages. First, it was developed to decrease the deformity caused by surgical biopsy. Second, it is less expensive. Third and most important, it offers improved safety for the patient. Finally, stereotactic biopsy is equally as accurate as surgical biopsy.

During stereotactic biopsy, the lady reclines on the exam table with the breast lightly compressed to prevent movement. X-rays will help reveal the localized area to be biopsied. The skin is numbed using a local anesthesia. A computer determines where the needle is to be placed into the abnormality, and a small sample is taken. The needle used is approximately the diameter of a pencil lead, barely one inch long. Following the procedure, there is no scarring or deformity of the breast. A tiny quarter-inch cut is the only sign of the biopsy. The entire procedure is done in an office setting and takes less than one hour. No special preparation is necessary except for avoiding aspirin and blood thinners prior to the procedure.

Women should continue having their yearly mammograms. After reviewing your mammogram, if a biopsy is suggested, ask your doctor if a stereotactic biopsy is appropriate for you.