Benign refers to a noncancerous condition that does not spread to other parts of the body and is not considered life-threatening.

The company is developing and making specialized medicines for treating multiple sclerosis, dermatological disorders, female health concerns, cancer and is creating new diagnostic imaging techniques. Berlex, Inc. is a pioneer in the imaging market. It has introduced a broad range of imaging agents. Its contribution began in 1988 with the introduction of the world's first magnetic resonance imaging agent, Magnevist® (gadopentetate dimeglumine) injection. Berlex is headquartered in New Jersey and the U.S. affiliate of Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany.

Henri Becquerel demonstrated beta particles in 1900. Identical with electrons is there negative charge at -1. Their mass is 549 millionths of one AMU, 1/2000 of the mass of a proton or neutron. Beta particles consist of high energetic electrons emitted by radioactive nuclei or neutrons. By the process of beta decay, one of the neutrons in the nucleus is transformed into a proton and a new atom is formed which has one less neutron but one more proton in the core. Beta decay is accompanied by the emission of a positron (the antiparticle of the electron), a positive charged antineutrino. Beta particles have a greater range of penetration than alpha particles but less than gamma rays or x-rays. The name beta was coined by Rutherford in 1897. The traveling speed of beta particles depends on their energy. Because of their small mass and charge beta particles travel deep into tissues and cause cellular damage and possible cancer.

See also Radiation Shielding.

Beta radiation consists of high energetic electrons or positrons emitted spontaneously from nuclei in decay of some radionuclides. Also called beta particle and sometimes shortened to beta (e.g., beta-emitting radionuclides). Beta radiation is used for example in cancer treatment.
The average reach of beta radiation in tissue is 3.5 mm.

See also Beta Decay.

A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are collected. This can be done with a needle, which is inserted into the abnormal area.
An example is the needle breast biopsy. Needle biopsies are usually guided by different imaging techniques like ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Stereotactic-assisted breast biopsies use computer maps to guide the needle. The location of the breast lump is provided from digital mammograms taken from two angles.
The cells can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether the abnormality is cancerous.

See also CT Guided Biopsy.