VABB- Advanced tissue sampling technique aiding in accurately diagnosing breast cancer and removal of smaller benign lumps

Coimbatore, November 06, 2021:  To commemorate the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October, leading physician Dr Rupa Renganathan, Lead Consultant – Breast Imaging and Interventions, Kovai Medical Centre & Hospital, Coimbatore emphasized on the importance of early detection of breast cancer as the only key to reduce mortality from this rapid disease. She also broke the common myth that breast cancer can occur only in older age groups. The percentage of women between 30-40 years being detected with the disease has more than doubled in the last two decades. In recent times about 50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are below 50 years of age.

Speaking on the importance of timely diagnosis, Dr Rupa added, “Many women tend to ignore symptoms such as presence of lumps, nipple discharge and change in shape of the breast which often leads to delayed diagnosis of breast cancer. It is important that women be aware of such conditions as well as of advanced techniques like Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy which is an advanced and minimally invasive diagnostic technology which helps sample even the smallest of lumps that may not get sampled by core needle biopsy. VABB also supports a minimally invasive and cosmetic friendly removal of non-cancerous lesions Fibroadenomas which occur commonly in young women. This October, let women pledge to take better care of their breast health and be watchful of their well-being.”

Women often feel anxious once lumps are detected in the breast even though they may be non-cancerous and benign lesions. In younger women (15-35 years), non-cancerous lumps Fibroadenomas are more common. Fibroadenomas comprise about 50% of all breast biopsies, and this rate rises to 75% for biopsies in women under the age of 20 years. A fibroadenoma might feel firm, smooth, rubbery, or hard and has a well-defined shape. Another extremely common condition, Fibrocystic breast disease also gives breasts a lumpy or rope-like texture and is diagnosed in millions of women worldwide.

Traditionally, these would be removed surgically, causing much distress, leaving scars, or patients would choose to live with them in anxiety. Advanced technology like Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) comes to respite in such situations. VABB enables removing smallest of benign lumps without leaving scars or disfigurement of the breast which can be very reassuring for women.

Dr Rupa Renganathan added, “The advantage of VABB is that the suspicious area of any size and depth can be easily targeted using VABB; hence small size lesions are also sampled easily. With this advancement in diagnosing breast cancer & removing small benign lumps, women from across age groups with any abnormality in the breast region would have a sense of relief.”