The calcifications are sampled or biopsied using a special technique called a mammotome™. The mammotome is a vacuum-assisted device which can retrieve tissue. The needle can retrieve more more tissue than with the core biopsy.

 

 

Here, the woman is lying on her stomach and the breast is placed in a hole and using digital computerized images, the mammographer can determine the exact coordinates or location of the calcifications and programs the machine to direct the needle to take out the tissue with the calcium.

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