What is a Mammogram and stereotactic vacuum assisted core biopsy?
A mammogram is a special form of X-ray used on breast tissue. It’s recommended as a diagnostic tool for detecting breast cancer in women over the age of 40.
A Stereotactic Vacuum assisted core biopsy is performed when an area of concern can only be seen on a mammogram. In these cases, the imaging acquired by the mammography equipment and a computer are used to guide the biopsy needle to the exact location.
Several small tissue samples are removed and sent to Pathology, where they will be assessed under a microscope to see if the tissue is normal or abnormal.