Physicians at Franklin Hospital Medical Center are now utilizing a new minimally invasive breast biopsy technology known as the Mammotome Breast Biopsy System.

Ideal for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, the stereotactic procedure can accurately detect early stage breast cancer through a small incision.

Franklin's Interim Medical Director Ira Klonsky, MD, notes that "the Mammotome Breast System requires only a single insertion and minimizes the removal of surrounding healthy tissue. Also the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis."

This new technology gives a definitive diagnosis though a sutureless biopsy, said Dr. Klonsky.

The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System has been designed specifically for use as a breast cancer diagnostic tool. To date, more than 480,000 procedures have been performed at over 1,250 sites including the Mayo Clinic, Baylor-Komen Breast Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Franklin's Radiology Department Director Allen Goodman, MD, reports the new procedure "is done under local anesthesia with stereotactic guidance and can be completed in approximately 45 minutes."

Additional information about the procedure now available at Franklin may be obtained by calling the hospital's radiology department at 256-6200.