Tomosynthesis-Guided Biopsy

Tomosynthesis digital mammography identifies lesions that are not detected on standard mammograms. If suspicious areas identified by tomosynthesis cannot be visualized or clearly seen on other imaging modalities such as mammography, sonography, or MRI, a biopsy of the area should be performed under tomosynthesis guidance.

Software and hardware capable of performing biopsies using vacuum needles guided by tomosynthesis images have recently been developed. These high-tech systems allow for highly sensitive biopsies (tissue sampling) of suspicious findings visualized on the best tomosynthesis images.

If biopsy findings are negative, patients undergo necessary surgical procedures. If biopsy results are positive, patients are spared unnecessary surgery.