If a mammogram shows a potentially
cancerous growth of cells, it may be
necessary to further explore those abnormal
findings. At Ashtabula County Medical
Center (ACMC), that can now be done
through stereotactic biopsy.
Instead of cutting into the breast to
remove a sample, a physician uses a needle
to retrieve the sample. Guided by the
surgeons or radiologist, the stereotactic
equipment moves the needle to the area of
concern and vacuums out the sample tissue.
Compared to open surgery, the
procedure is quick and less costly and there
is little or no discomfort.
In the past, if the physicians were concerned
about an area or a density in the breast,
they would schedule needle localization.
These procedures started in the radiology
department, with a wire being placed in the
breast, and ended in the operating room,
with the removal of a significant piece of
breast tissue. The area would be tender to
the touch for several days and the patient
would have necessary work restrictions.
With the new method, a physician takes the
sample for testing right at the mammography
unit. This does not require a full operating
room, which means a shorter period between
an initial screening and the biopsy.
It also means less pain, because the
stereotactic biopsy is minimally invasive.
There is also less recovery time. Patients who
have had the procedure say they are able to
return to their normal activities immediately.
Another added benefit of digital
mammography is that patients spend less
time in the exam room.
Stereotactic breast
biopsy is a less
invasive approach
The surgical
expertise
available at
ACMC has you
covered from
head to toe.
TYPE OF SURGERY WHAT IT INCLUDES
Ear, nose and throat
Procedures for nasal blockage or deformity, sinusitis,
swallowing disorders, tonsillitis, hearing problems,
vocal cord problems, and more.
Gastroenterology
surgery
Common procedures include colostomy;
colonoscopy; removal of polyps; and treatment
of gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers,
hemorrhoids, diverticulosis and Crohn’s disease.
General surgery
Common procedures include appendectomies,
gallbladder surgery, thoracic surgery, lung biopsy,
cancer removal, thyroid surgery, hernia repair and
breast biopsy.
Obstetric and
gynecologic surgery
Common procedures include thermal ablation;
hysterectomy; and procedures to treat uterine
cancer, ovarian cysts, pelvic organ prolapse, irregular
menstrual periods and infertility. Cesarean section
deliveries are performed when necessary.
Orthopaedic
surgery
Common procedures include repairing damaged
joints and tendons; replacing knee, hip or shoulder
joints; repairing fractured bones; reconstructing
ligaments; and releasing carpal tunnel tendons.
Podiatric surgery
Common procedures include surgery on the foot,
ankle and lower legs, for things such as bunions,
hammertoes, corns, plantar fasciitis and tight
tendons, poor blood circulation, diabetes-related
injuries, wound care, and sports injuries.
Urological surgery
Common procedures include treatment of urologic
conditions, including prostate cancer, impotence,
kidney disease, penile and testicular disorders, stress
urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic
organ prolapse, erectile dysfunction, overactive
bladder, and other prostate issues.
Vascular surgery
Common procedures include treatment for
disorders of the veins and arterial blood vessels.
Candidates for vascular surgery include patients
with carotid artery blockages, chronic leg swelling,
hypertension and kidney artery blockage, leg pain
caused by poor circulation (called claudication), and
varicose veins. Procedures include cardiac Doppler
testing, lower and upper arterial tests, hemodialysis
access, vein mapping, and more.
TO SCHEDULE A
MAMMOGRAM,
contact your physician
for a referral. Once you
have a physician’s order,
contact ACMC’s centralized
scheduling department at
440-997-6590
. ACMC offers extended
hours throughout the week and
on Saturday mornings for our
patients’ convenience.
ACMC Pulse •
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