Lingle undergoes another biopsy

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Gov.-elect Linda Lingle underwent a breast biopsy today and will resume work tomorrow, according to her communications director Lenny Klompus.

Kapiolani Breast Center medical director Dr. Laura Weldon Hoque said she saw no abnormalities but that she also sent the the biopsy sample to a lab for further analysis. Hoque said she will receive the results tomorrow.

Today's biopsy was Lingle's second since July. A routine mammogram in April indicated an abnormality in her right breast. A second mammogram and a biopsy in July at the Maui Memorial Hospital showed "atypical cells" but tested negative for cancer, according to Klompus.

Under Hoque's recommendation, Lingle took another mammogram earlier this month. Based on that mammogram, Hoque recommended another biopsy, which was done this morning.

Hoque said breast biopsies — which involve taking samples of breast tissue for medical analysis — are very common procedures and that about 80 percent of the cases are benign. She said Lingle was put under general anesthesia for the biopsy procedure, which Klompus said took about 20 minutes.

"Like thousands of women who find an abnormality through a mammogram, I'm grateful that options exist," Lingle, 49, said in a prepared statement. "I feel very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Hoque's reputation and expertise to guide me through this. I'm used to being in excellent health and I plan to stay that way."

Lingle also emphasized the importance of taking routine mammograms.

"On another note, I wish that I could personally speak with every woman in our state, and particularly those over 40, about the importance of having an annual mammogram," Lingle said. "No matter who you are and no matter how busy you are, please take time to take care of your health."