For patients, the word “biopsy” can be a bit scary. In fact, when doctors order a biopsy of a suspicious area, many patients immediately think cancer. But most often, the opposite is true. Research shows that 80% of breast biopsies are normal. They confirm the absence of cancer.

Biopsy is actually a wonderful option to have in the proverbial tool belt. It’s a minimally-invasive procedure that allows doctors to determine with certainty if a suspicious area is cancerous—or not—by simply removing a small sample of tissue. Many times it’s the only way to confirm whether a breast mass, module or calcification is malignant or benign—and whether surgery is required to remove it.

Eastern Radiologists is proud to offer our area’s first 3D breast biopsy. The Hologic Affirm 2D/3D™ breast biopsy guidance system accurately targets subtle lesions through groundbreaking technology. Hard-to-detect and difficult-to-access cases are simplified, arming our radiologists with better visualization, improved access and easy transitions from screening to diagnostic to interventional procedures. And the radiation dose during a 3D biopsy is actually less than that of a standard mammographic biopsy procedure, because it replaces several 2D imaging exposures with a single 3D imaging exposure.

Performed in an outpatient setting, 3D biopsy generally takes around 45 minutes from the time you enter the exam room until the time you leave. The actual procedure to locate and collect the tissue samples takes about 15 minutes. This includes the time it takes for the doctor to actually remove the tissue, which is usually less than a minute.

We pair 3D biopsy with state-of-the-art 3D mammography™, or tomosynthesis, which increases precision of the biopsy. But 3D mammography™ is impressive on its own. Used as a screening exam, studies show it’s detecting 41% more invasive cancers than 2D mammography. It’s particularly beneficial for women with dense breasts and women with no prior mammogram for comparison. So next time you’re due for a mammogram, ask your doctor if 3D mammography is right for you.

For breast biopsy, Eastern Radiologists’ new 3D breast biopsy is truly the most advanced option available. And in the hands of our experienced team of fellowship-trained mammographers, it’s a technology that patients can trust. Learn more about our Hologic Affirm™ technology today.