HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle this morning underwent a minor diagnostic surgical biopsy at Queen’s Medical Center at 9:30 a.m.  She was released from the hospital at 11:30 a.m. and is at home resting comfortably.  The Governor is expected to return to the office on Monday.
The procedure involved a “needle localization.”  The results of the biopsy are expected in the middle of next week.
During the biopsy, the Governor was given a light anesthetic, which affected her for about 20 minutes. 
The procedure this morning was conducted by Dr. Mari Nakashizuka.
“Everything went well and as expected,” said Dr. Nakashizuka.
In November 2002, the Governor underwent a similar breast biopsy, which tested negative for breast cancer.
Governor Lingle continues to emphasize the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection and encourages women, especially those over the age of 40 to have a mammogram and regular checkups.
Dr. Nakashizuka will be available to the media once the results are known next week.
The Governor appreciates those who will want to express their well wishes in a card or with flowers, but asks them to save their hard-earned money and thanks them for their kind thoughts.

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