2.  An accomplished radiologist, Dr. AppaRao
Mukkamala stands out as chair emeritus of the
radiology department at Hurley Medical Center. Dr.
AppaRao Mukkamala has also published a number
of peer-reviewed articles, including a piece on the
use of stereotactic core needle biopsy as an
alternative diagnostic tool for patients with breast
lesions.
Core needle biopsy offers a number of benefits over
the traditional biopsy, the most salient of which is its
noninvasive nature as a nonsurgical procedure. A
physician inserts a fine or hollow needle into a
suspicious mass and removes a portion of tissue,
without the need for cutting.

3.  If the mass is palpable, the procedure can take place in a
doctor's office. However, non-palpable masses frequently
require the help of radiological devices to locate the
abnormality.
When a physician chooses to use stereotactic
mammography as an imaging method, the patient lies on
a table with a hole open for the breast. The device
compresses the breast and takes a number of images,
which automatically direct the biopsy needle to the area
in question. In some machines, a vacuum-powered probe
supports the action of the needle. Both vacuum-assisted
and non-vacuum procedures take place using local
anesthesia, so the patient typically only feels the push and
pull sensation that the needle generates.