The breast cancer care coordinator assists Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato patients who have received abnormal mammogram results and need further imaging, including ultrasound-guided and stereotactic breast biopsies. Serving as your partner throughout the process, the care coordinator provides education, reviews imaging results, coordinates biopsies and contacts you with pathology results. Depending on the outcome of these tests, the coordinator discusses findings and recommendations with your primary care provider.

The breast cancer care coordinator is automatically involved if additional imaging leads to a biopsy. However, the coordinator is available to answer questions and address concerns.

You can reach the breast cancer care coordinator by calling 507-594-7134.

Stereotactic breast biopsy

During a stereotactic breast biopsy, your breast will be firmly compressed between two plates. X-rays (mammograms) are used to produce stereo images — images of the same area from different angles — to determine the exact location for the biopsy. A sample of breast tissue in the area of concern is then removed with a needle.

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

A core needle biopsy uses a long, hollow tube to extract a core of tissue. Here, a biopsy of a suspicious breast lump is being done. The core is sent to a laboratory for testing.