TUPELO, Mississippi – North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point recently added a new weapon in the fight against breast cancer – stereotactic breast biopsy.

Stereotactic breast biopsy is now an option when a mammogram shows a breast abnormality like a suspicious mass, micro calcifications or abnormal tissue change. This non-surgical outpatient procedure is performed by a specially trained radiologist. 

“Stereotactic breast biopsy is an excellent way to perform biopsy for calcium deposits or tiny masses that are not visible on ultrasound,” said Mark Ellis, M.D., a board-certified radiologist with NMMC-West Point. “The results are as accurate as when a tissue sample is removed surgically. We are very excited to now offer stereotactic breast biopsy.”   

The procedure is minimally invasive and utilizes a needle to obtain biopsy samples. “Sedation is used for the ultimate patient comfort,” Dr. Ellis said. “The procedure can be scheduled and performed quickly and with short notice in order to ease patient anxiety. We can even offer same-day biopsy for abnormal mammogram findings, if appropriate.”

Helen Reeves, director of Radiology at NMMC-West Point, said the procedure usually takes less than an hour and leaves little to no scar. “No stitches are required, and patients leave with only a small adhesive bandage,” Reeves said. “Recovery time is short, and you can soon resume your usual activities. We send the tissue samples to pathology for evaluation, and your doctor will follow up with your results.”

Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer. To schedule a 3-D screening mammogram at NMMC-West Point, call (662) 377-6655 or 1-866-912-1486. No referral is necessary.