Stereotactic Needle Biopsy:

Typically found in a radiology facility, Dr. Dowlat uses a Lorad stereotactic table in his office to perform minimally invasive breast biopsies for abnormal mammographic findings such as densities and microcalcifications. *

General awareness of women and annual breast exam by mammography in the past decade has resulted in detection of small breast cancers. Stereotactic needle biopsy introduced from Sweden into the United States in 1985 by Dr. Dowlat has largely replaced open surgery and spares women of many unnecessary operations and scars (refs. 1&2). Utilization of ultrasound in the management of breast lesions has also accelerated the application of less invasive breast procedures such as drainage of cysts. Presentl the accuracy of needle biopsy in experienced hands is as good as surgical biopsy.

Patient with a suspicious mammogram (fig. A) is positioned on the stereotactic table (fig. B) for needle biopsy.

With local anesthsia and computer control (fig. C), needle samples are taken for histologic verification.