Early diagnosis of breast cancer

Vacuum Assisted Biopsy is compatible with all modalities offering a diverse choice to physicians for better diagnosis.

- Dr Shilpa Lad

Breast cancer is on the rise and it is the most common cancer amongst urban Indian women. As per PBCR (Population Based Cancer Registry), breast cancer accounts for 25% to 32% of all female cancers in urban Indian cities. This implies, practically, one fourth (or even approaching one thirds) of all female cancer cases are breast cancer.

Pathology diagnosis or tissue diagnosis plays a crucial role in diagnosis and management of breast cancer. There are several types of breast biopsy techniques such as Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB), Trucut or Core Needle Biopsy (CNB) and Vacuum Assisted Biopsy (VAB). The selection of the biopsy technique depends on availability of resources and the characteristics of the breast lesion. 

Apart from conventional methods of tissue sampling such as FNAB and CNB, VAB is a newer biopsy technique that is slowly but surely gaining momentum in clinical practice. VAB is based on the vacuum technology whereby with a single entry the device not only cuts through the targeted point in the lesion but also part of the lesion surrounding the targeted area by virtue of its ability to suck in and cut through a zone around the target.