cancer epidemic
Breast cancer stands as the most common cancer among women and remains one of the deadliest diseases globally, including in Russia. Early detection saves lives, and awareness is key for timely intervention. The World Health Organization notes that roughly one in twelve women will encounter breast cancer at some point in their lives. Because of this, regular screening and prompt diagnosis are crucial. Self-checks should be part of routine health habits, complemented by diagnostic imaging such as breast ultrasounds and mammography. The results from these tests guide treatment plans, which are determined by oncologist-mammologists during consultations.
There exists a classification system to gauge the potential danger of mammary gland neoplasms. Based on clinical suspicion, clinicians assign a score from one to five. A score of one indicates a confirmed but nearly always benign process, while a five suggests a high likelihood of cancer. A score of three signals uncertainty about malignancy, requiring careful evaluation.
Following assessment, the physician may propose two paths: watchful waiting with careful monitoring of changes, or biopsy, which involves extracting cells from the body for laboratory analysis. This approach is explained by Marina Sekacheva, a professor at Sechenov University and director of the Institute of Personalized Oncology.
suck the cancer
Vacuum aspiration biopsy (VAB) is presented as a highly accurate method for early breast cancer detection and a modern option for removing benign breast tumors. The procedure is designed to be minimally invasive, rapid, and highly effective in obtaining tissue samples for histological examination. It stands out for its precision and the speed at which results can be obtained, enabling timely clinical decisions.
VAB is considered suitable for both patients and clinicians due to its minimal invasiveness and swift execution. The typical process is quick, with tissue sampling achieving a high probability of success compared to some conventional techniques. The approach often allows for outpatient treatment and does not require lengthy hospital stays, with anesthesia tailored to the procedure. The tissue obtained is sent to the laboratory for comprehensive histology, ensuring a definitive diagnosis is possible.
According to a medical science expert, the vacuum aspiration biopsy supports accurate cancer detection, even for very small lesions that might be missed by other methods. Robotic guidance enables precise sampling of the smallest tissue fragments, with real-time visualization under ultrasound to ensure accuracy. The technique can target several nodules up to a few centimeters in one session through very small entry points. The outpatient nature and brief duration of the procedure have contributed to its growing use in clinical practice. Although this method is not a replacement for full cancer therapy, it serves as an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in many cases.
In the field, this approach allows clinicians to address multiple nodules in one or both breasts and to minimize postoperative recovery time. It is performed under local anesthesia, and the procedure typically lasts between 15 minutes and 30 minutes, depending on the number of lesions and their locations. A specialized anesthetic may be used to improve comfort during the intervention. The collected samples are processed in the laboratory to confirm whether the lesion is benign or malignant, guiding subsequent treatment decisions.
VAB value and contraindications
The VAB technique holds particular value when addressing complex calcifications within the breast, such as intraductal papillomas, certain cysts, and areas showing benign changes associated with mastopathy. In such contexts, VAB can offer more precise targeting than open surgical approaches, reducing the risk of deformation and ensuring complete removal in many cases.
Open surgeries carry the risk of blind resections that may miss portions of a lesion, potentially requiring additional tissue removal and increasing the chance of cosmetic changes. VAB, by contrast, emphasizes targeted sampling and tissue removal with minimal invasiveness. Contraindications for VAB are relatively few; however, clinicians may avoid the procedure if a lesion is not visible on ultrasound, if there are significant coagulation disorders, or in the presence of active infection or inflammation. This perspective comes from leading clinicians who note the ubiquity of VAB in modern practice, with thousands of procedures performed annually in large markets and substantial equipment availability. The technology continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements in devices and techniques and rising costs for consumables affecting adoption in certain regions. The method’s development is associated with dedicated research and clinical refinement across medical institutions.
How was the method developed?
While VAB is effective, like any medical procedure, it carries potential complications such as minor hematoma or bruising, particularly when multiple lesions are removed in a single session. Preventive measures include hemostatic medication and modest elastic compression after the procedure. Earlier ultrasound-guided VAB for a single mass generally achieved stable hemostasis, but removing several formations posed challenges that could extend recovery. A new solution emerged with the use of a two-wavelength laser to minimize bleeding during ultrasound-guided vacuum resections. This innovation enabled the adoption of interstitial laser coagulation in VAB, where a thin laser guide is introduced through the needle to cauterize the manipulation site. The result was a marked reduction in bleeding and bruising, enabling the simultaneous removal of multiple nodules within one or both breasts. Recovery times improved, with patients often leaving with supportive dressings off earlier than before. The overarching aim is to completely remove neoplasms while preserving breast appearance and enabling patients to resume normal activities within hours after the procedure.
Experts emphasize that the objective extends beyond removing lesions. Ensuring a benign or malignant diagnosis through thorough histology remains essential to proper care and subsequent treatment planning. The ultimate goal is to empower patients to maintain their daily routines with confidence and to minimize disruption to quality of life while addressing health needs.
Does not replace cancer treatment
Even with the advantages of VAB, the procedure is not a substitute for comprehensive cancer therapy. In the case of benign lesions, VAB can provide a definitive removal, yet patients must continue to be monitored by a mammologist. It is not an alternative to oncologic or surgical cancer management in situations where full treatment is required.
Some patients initially suspected of having a benign condition may be found to have cancer after full histological analysis. In such instances, timely detection can be life-saving. Histology results, taken together with PSA findings, guide clinicians toward the appropriate course of action, including potential further interventions that improve outcomes for patients at risk of progression. In many cases, early identification of cancer in situ offers critical opportunities for intervention and cure, underscoring the importance of accurate biopsy and follow-up care. The overall aim is to support women through accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, helping them live healthy lives with confidence and reduced risk of disease progression.