Image-guided breast biopsy

Widespread application of mammography and breast ultrasound has led to improved recognition and delineation of breast lesions. Localization of these lesions with specialized, computerized stereotactic radiographic equipment or ultrasound imaging with subsequent use of this image to guide percutaneous core sampling of the abnormal area is less invasive, less painful, highly accurate, and less expensive than incisional breast biopsy with preoperative needle localization. These image-guided techniques have progressively matured in recent years, are used regularly by more and more surgeons, and are areas of clinical care and technology in which surgeons should be familiarized and educated.