What is a breast biopsy?

A breast biopsy involves the removal of tissue from the suspicious area of your breast. The tissue is removed by a surgeon (excisional biopsy) or Interventional  Radiologist (Image-Guided Needle Biopsy) and sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. 

80-90% of breast biopsy results come back 'benign', which means no cancer was detected. Still, it is essential that you have this biopsy - it's the only way to remove the uncertainty and get an accurate diagnosis.

What is an Intact Breast Biopsy?

This procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, causing minimal trauma to the patient's breast. It is a quick procedure, done under ultrasound or sterotactic guidance, where a small device gently glides through the breast tissue to the suspicious area or lesion. The suspicious area or lesion is surrounded by a "capture basket", and the suspicious tissue is removed in one pass. The tissue is then sent to the laboratory for a diagnosis by a pathologist.

Video Clips

Procedure Video		Device Video		Ultrasound Guided Biopsy Video

Advantages of the Intact BLES technique:

Significantly improved sampling accuracy: The needle is easily visible under real-time ultrasound and the system captures significantly larger size tissue than typical core or suction biopsy needles; therefore, false negative results should be significantly less. 

Less complications:  Because of the Radio Frequency technology used to advance the needle and also the capture the suspicious tissue, bleeding is less of a concern than that of typical needle biopsies. Also, capturing the suspicious lesion with the BLES technique is a slow process and can be seen (real time) under ultrasound; because there is no fast motion of the needle tip complications such as needle penetration into the chest wall or other normal tissues are a less likely possibility.

A marker at the biopsy site can be placed more reliably: The BLES system creates a small cavity at the biopsy site; therefore, placement of a marker is a much easier process and more importantly can be done more accurately.

Potential theoretical risk of disturbing the potential cancer tissue is unlikely: Since the BLES technique captures the tissue rather than directly penetrating the tissue, the potential cancer tissue (at least large portion of it) is removed without much disturbance in the area.

Who performs this procedure and How to make an appointment?

Dr. Orhan Konez, the director of the Vascular and Interventional Radiology service at SJWS, authored nearly 50 scientific papers and several book chapters in the field and exclusively performs this procedure in  Northeastern Ohio. Dr. Konez is a board-certified radiologist and is also certified for added qualifications (CAQ) in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 

To make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Konez or to learn more about this cutting edge therapy, please call (440) 827-5043

Joyce Forristell (Breast Healthcare Coordinator) can be reached at (440) 827-5459 for any questions.

Additionally, Linda Gorski (VIR Nurse) can be reached at (440) 827-5047 for any questions regarding the procedure.