Stereotactic Breast Biopsy: what you should know but probably weren't told

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  June, 2004  by Whitney S. Hibbard

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Answer. Of course, but many would argue that the limited dollars available to the community would best be put towards prevention first, technology second. The most sensible program for women at this time may be in information and education, not technology.

Question. If I had a wife or daughter with a suspicious breast lesion would I recommend the procedure? In other words, do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Answer. It's her body and future, not mine, so the decision is rightfully hers. I would insist, however, that she make her decision only after she was clearly and fully informed of all the risks, benefits, diagnostic options, and treatment options, including orthodox and unorthodox (see Breast Cancer: What You Should Know (But May Not Be Told) About Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment and Save Yourself from Breast Cancer).

In summary, the crucial question for potential donors is whether they want to support the purchase of a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy machine in the knowledge that: (1) they may be contributing to possible malignant needle track seeding and subsequent metastases in women who undergo the procedure, (2) the procedure adds to the cumulative dosage of mutagenic ionizing radiation exposure, and (3) their money may be better applied to a prevention program.

References

1. Youngson BJ, Epithelial displacement in surgical breast specimens following needling procedures. The American Journal of Surgical Pathology 1994; 18(9):896-903.

2. Struve-Christensen E, Iatrogenic dissemination of tumor cells along the needle track after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy. Danish Med Bulletin 1978; 25(2):82-87.

3. Grabau DA, Andersen JA, Graversen HP, Dyreborg U, Needle biopsy of breast cancer. Appearance of tumor cells along the needle track. Eur J Surg Oncol 1993; 19(2):192-94.

4. Hindle WH, Navin J, Breast aspiration cytology: A neglected gynecological procedure. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1983; 146(5):482-87.

5. Environment & Health Weekly #418, Dec. 1, 1994.

Whitney S. Hibbard

2905 N. Montana Ave., PMB 242

Helena, Montana 59601 USA

Whit Hibbard, PhD (candidate) of Helena, Montana is an author and doctoral student at Saybrook Graduate School in San Francisco.

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