For the 1.6 million women faced with getting a breast biopsy each year, there is an easier procedure that helps doctors detect cancer without the need for major surgery or stitches.

The Mammotome procedure was introduced in 1996 and has spread to about 1,600 hospitals.

"When I came here and found out that I had to have the biopsy, that's when (the doctor) told me about the mammotome. (It) was the one that sounded the best to me," said patient Linda Scuderi (pictured, left).

Scuderi discovered a lump in her breast during a routine self-examination. As a longtime oncology nurse, she knew she'd need a biopsy. What Scuderi didn't know was how simple and painless it could be with a widely accepted procedure called the mammotome system.

"The patient avoids the operating room, the procedure is all done under local anesthesia, it's a quicker recovery time (and) there's less scarring internally within the breast," said radiologist Dr. Carol Adami.

According to Adami, the procedure involves inserting a special mammotome probe -- guided by ultrasound -- into a tiny incision in the breast. The doctor then uses the probe to gently collect the tissue samples for analysis. The whole procedure takes less than an hour and patients can immediately return to a normal routine.

"As a physician, I prefer to do minimally invasive procedures on patients. There's less risk and potential for bleeding and infection. Patients are more comfortable during the procedure and following the procedure," Adami said.

"It just made it really so easy, if you can imagine a biopsy being easy," Scuderi said. "Compared to the stories I've heard as a nurse taking care of patients afterwards, this was a breeze."

Another advantage to the mammotome system is that it's cheaper and just as accurate as the traditional open surgery biopsy, doctors say.

Additional Resources:

• More On Mammotome
• How Mammotome Works