Cancer Support

It certainly is a messed up system, but, understand this same process would have occurred anywhere in the world. This isn't a money driven issue as much as a limitation of technology issue. There's no way at the time of initial biopsy to know whether a lesion is cancer or not. The conversation with regards to breast conservation with lumpectomy vs mastectomy wouldn't even occur until after a diagnosis of cancer has been made. SAVI is a great tool for lumpectomy, but ,much like all of medicine, it has its limitations as well and timing of placement is a big limitation. If SAVI isn't used and the patient opts for lumpectomy, they still have to have a wire place into the breast the morning of surgery. There's just no great options currently with regards to localizing mammographic abnormalities that aren't invasive, so a patient has to have a second needle stick, either for SAVI or wire localization.

I totally understand and empathize with your frustrations. I hope that explanation helps clarify the situation.