For Immediate Release

Mercy Memorial Offers New Technology in Fight Against Breast Cancer

Ardmore — Mercy Memorial Health Center now offers the latest breast biopsy technology which requires no hospitalization, no general anesthesia and results in little or no scarring.

“In the past, southern Oklahomans had to drive to the city for stereotactic breast biopsy or undergo a surgical breast biopsy which includes a hospital stay, anesthesia and potential scarring,” said Derek Howard, D.O., radiologist. “We now have an outpatient procedure that costs about a third of what surgery costs, and women can resume normal activities right away.”

Whenever a physician finds a lesion, lump or calcifications on a mammogram, a biopsy helps determine the next step. With stereotactic biopsy, a small area of the skin is numbed, then a small incision is made to insert a hollow biopsy needle. The needle is then guided to the correct location by precise breast imaging x-rays and computer coordinates. Some six to 10 tissue samples are then taken and sent to the lab for diagnosis.

“This is the most accurate technology available and by having this in Ardmore, we are providing care close to home for southern Oklahoma women,” said Dr. Howard. “And unlike open surgical biopsies, this entire procedure for the most part is painless and only takes about an hour.”

Stereotactic technology also allows a physician to “mark” the biopsy site for mammogram follow-up. “This enables us to track the identified area,” said Heather Chatham, radiology department manager. “Mercy Memorial is committed to detecting breast cancer as early as possible.”

Mercy Memorial Health Center is a member of Mercy Health System of Oklahoma and the Sisters of Mercy Health System.

Press release dated: September 16, 2009