System for bracketing tissue

A system and method for bracketing a tissue volume ( 22 ) and later locating the bracketed tissue volume. The system includes a plurality of markers ( 30 ) and a probe ( 32 ) and detector ( 34 ) for use in locating the markers by providing information usable by a surgeon that is representative of changes in proximity between the probe and the plurality of markers. The markers have various detection characteristics, e.g., they transmit gamma rays, that are detectable by an associated probe and detector. The tissue volume is removed by manipulating a cutting tool based on the proximity information provided by the detector which can be used by the surgeon to define the boundary of the tissue volume. A two-part cutting tool ( 200 ) is provided for removing the tissue volume, and a tissue anchor ( 300 ) is provided for stabilizing the tissue during removal. The system and method of the invention are particularly useful in bracketing and then removing a tissue volume from amorphous, pliable tissue such as breast tissue.