VABB- Advanced tissue sampling technique aiding in accurately diagnosing breast cancer and removal of smaller benign lumps. Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) is a minimally invasive procedure.
Early detection of breast cancer is the only key to reduce mortality from this rapid disease. 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.
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.
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.
About VABB
VABB is a pioneering tissue sampling technique by which breast abnormalities (benign and malignant lumps) can easily be accessed through a small and single incision. It is performed with the help of either a mammogram or ultrasound, or MRI, to precisely identify the lesions. The ability of VABB to collect multiple samples with a single needle has the potential to reduce procedure times for patients and may reduce discomfort during breast biopsy in a minimally invasive manner. In addition, it ensures that tissue samples are taken from all parts of the lesion. The samples are then sent to laboratory for detailed analysis, to identify if the lump is malignant or benign.
VABB has been approved by FDA (USA) and NICE (UK) for complete removal of fibroadenoma. This advanced technology is widely used abroad and is now available in India and is helping women take charge of their health and outsmart breast cancer. The Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy technology increases the efficiency, accuracy, and ease of targeting such small breast lesions and therefore is practiced as a gold standard across the globe.
Dr Rupa Renganathan
Lead Consultant – Breast Imaging and Interventions
Kovai Medical Centre & Hospital, Coimbatore
