The handheld Mammotome diminishes the shortcomings of the automated core biopsy device. It reduces the possibility of false-negatives and underestimation of disease. It eliminates the need for multiple insertions and reduces the likelihood of epithelial displacement. As a result, we now use this device for all sonographically guided biopsies of breast masses smaller than 1.5 cm and recommend that others consider it for such use.

Results of this retrospective study suggest that breast biopsy may be avoided in women with palpable abnormalities when both US and mammography depict normal tissue at the lump site.

LEARNING OBJEC11VES After reading this article and taking the test, the reader u'ill be able to.' S Identify and describe the components of the directional, vacuum-assisted biopsy instrument. #{149} Understand how the directional, vacuum-assisted biopsy instrument functions. S Understand how to target and position the biopsy instrument. S Understand how to place a percutaneous clip. #{149} Understand how biopsy with a directional, vacuumassisted instrument is integrated into the overall diagnostic work-up of breast disease.

Although the overall accuracy of 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography in the diagnosis of breast cancer was high, it has several disadvantages in comparison with sonography. Scintimammography has a slightly higher false-negative rate for breast cancer, is unable to reveal cysts, is more expensive, takes longer to perform, and involves ionizing radiation. For these reasons, scintimammography with 99mTc-sestamibi is unlikely to either replace sonography or be frequently used in addition to sonography.

The RF introducer may serve as a useful adjunct to the handheld biopsy system by facilitating penetration of breast tissue without causing any deleterious effects for the patient or the biopsy specimen.