30/11/2009

A new machine that removes abnormal tissue and benign lesions from the breast is now available at Singleton Hospital and will help to tackle a massive increase in male breast cases.
The mammotome machine will give the hospital cancer centre a new way of removing gynaecomastia, which is the technical term for breast tissue in men.

A mammotome biopsy removes a slightly larger sample of breast tissue than a needle biopsy. It is carried out under local anaesthetic and the surgeon uses a small vacuum assisted probe to take a biopsy from the suspicious area.

The procedure takes about half an hour and the patient can go home 20 minutes after the procedure.

Conventional excision of gynaecomastia involves open surgery, which requires hospital admission, general anaesthetic, and a large scar.

As well as boosting the service for many thousands of women who use the regional cancer facilities, the equipment will also be used to treat a worrying increase in male breast care cases.

While the breast experts used to see around one male breast case a week, that figure is now nearly one a day.

“The benefit for our patients of less invasive surgery is particularly pleasing for all of us here at the breast care centre,� said Mr Nader Khonji, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon.

“Very few breast centres have mammotome facilities so it’s an enhancement to the service we offer.

“While a large percentage of abnormalities we’ll be treating are benign it also provides us with an extra diagnostic tool to detect cancerous cells.

“We’re also concerned that referrals of male patients with gynaecomastia are increasing rapidly. Evidence suggests this is due to an increased incidence secondary to use of anabolic steroids and the increased concern over body image in men. Obesity is also a cause for concern.�