[Stereotactic tumor biopsy and tumor excision]

Stereotactic procedures are indicated in nonpalpable breast lesions that are suspicious in mammography. Using the ABBI system all established procedures (stereotactic needle biopsy, fine needle biopsy, core needle biopsy) can be performed. Also the resection of cylindrical tissue specimen with a maximum diameter of 20 mm can be carried out, controlled by digital mammography. For the exact diagnosis of lesions with a diameter up to 15 mm, cylindrical extirpation is recommended. In several cases this can be considered as definitive lumpectomy. Neither lesions localized close to the thoracic wall nor retromamillary lesions can be treated by using the ABBI system. While digital mammography is the method of choice for the detection of microcalcifications, the visualization of opacifications may be difficult. Overall the ABBI system was used in 40.7% of our patients with nonpalpable breast lesions.