Increasing number of small, early-staged breast cancers are detected by screening mammography. Diagnosis and determination of the prognostic factors may be made by either ultrasound (US) or stereotactically guided needle biopsy. Approximately 2000 stereotactic tables are installed at various medical centers throughout the United States and a significant number in other countries where breast cancer is common. Many surgeons and interventional radiologists are trained in the use of this technology for diagnostic purposes. Employing the same technology, these physicians may be trained to treat selected breast cancers with laser energy percutaneously. Experimental and clinical reports to-date indicate the technique to be safe. High-resolution imaging modalities including grayscale and color Doppler US, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and needle biopsy, when necessary, will confirm the tumor kill. Newer imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy may also provide additional confirmation for total tumor ablation.
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