As we recognise Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Northern Health is celebrating an important advancement in breast care that is helping some patients avoid surgery altogether.
In March 2026, Northern Imaging Victoria introduced tomosynthesis-guided Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE), a minimally invasive procedure that enables selected breast abnormalities to be removed through an incision just a few millimetres wide. Using advanced 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), the breast imaging team can accurately target and remove abnormal tissue under local anaesthetic, without the need for an operating theatre or general anaesthetic.
For many patients, the benefits are significant: less pain, minimal scarring, a faster recovery, and most importantly, one less operation.
While VAE has previously been performed in a limited number of centres using ultrasound guidance, Northern Health has taken the next step by introducing tomosynthesis-guided VAE.
This achievement makes Northern Health the first Victorian public hospital to perform VAE using 3D mammography guidance, placing the organisation at the forefront of minimally invasive breast intervention. The service reflects the continued growth and innovation of Northern Health’s breast imaging program and demonstrates how advances in technology are transforming patient care. The successful introduction of tomosynthesis-guided VAE has been made possible through the collaboration of breast radiologists, breast surgeons, radiographers, nurses and pathology staff, each playing an important role in delivering safe, coordinated care from diagnosis through to treatment.
Dr Sanaz Moleai, a key breast radiologist involved in the initiative, said: “Something that previously may have required an operation can, in selected patients, now be managed through a tiny incision under local anaesthetic.”
One patient, Sravanthi, who underwent the procedure, described it as a simple and positive experience. “It was an easy day procedure. I was completely numb during the procedure and had very little pain afterwards. I would definitely recommend it to anybody who is offered this procedure.”
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection and access to high-quality care, innovations such as tomosynthesis-guided VAE demonstrate Northern Health’s commitment to bringing the latest evidence-based treatments closer to home for communities across Melbourne’s north. For eligible patients, the benefits are both simple and significant: avoiding surgery, reducing recovery time and providing a gentler pathway to treatment.
For patients like Sravanthi, the impact goes beyond the clinical outcome. It means receiving effective treatment through a minimally invasive procedure, with less disruption to daily life and a faster return to normal activities.
“This is where modern healthcare is heading – more precise, less invasive and easier on the patient,” said Dr Ming Joe Lim, Deputy Director of Imaging Services.
Featured image shows from left to right: Dr. Ming Joe Lim (Deputy Director Imaging Services); Parveen Singh (Radiographer), Victoria Kipsang (Radiographer), Dr. Sanaz Molaei (Breast Radiologist), Dr. Vaughan Beckley (Radiologist, Quality Lead), Dr. Corinne Wong (Breast Radiologist)