biopsy procedure overview
Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous.
A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells—either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle—from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. Image-guided needle biopsy is not designed to remove the entire lesion, but at most a very small lesion may be removed in the process of the biopsy.
Image-guided biopsy is performed when the abnormal area in the breast is too small to be felt, making it difficult to locate the lesion by hand (called palpation). An MRI-guided biopsy is to help guide the radiologist's instrument to the site of the abnormal growth.
Stereotactic breast biopsy
What is a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?
A stereotactic Breast Biopsy is performed when a mass cannot be felt. The biopsy is performed to determine if the area is benign or malignant. You are placed into a special mammography machine used to locate and guide the radiologist to a suspicious area. Local anesthetic is used to minimize your discomfort.
Preparation For The Exam
Preparation for a biopsy consists of listing all your medications or herbal remedies. If you are allergic to local anesthetic please inform the radiologist or technologist.
Exam Time
The length of the exam is usually 30-60 minutes
Exam Results
After your exam, the radiologist will review your images and a report will be sent directly to your physician. Reports are available within 24 to 72 hours.
ultrasound guided biopsy
What is an Ultrasound Guided Biopsy?
When a MR scan of the breast indicates an area of question and mammograms and ultrasound do not delineate the area of question then a MR Breast biopsy is recommended.
You are placed on the MRI table just as if you are having an MRI of the breast. The MRI table has been designed to provide a slight compression and access to the breast in question from either side. After the MRI is repeated the biopsy is calculated as to the location and depth. Local anesthetic is given and a special biopsy needle is inserted into the breast. Then we rescan to make sure the placement of the breast is correct prior to the biopsy. After the breast biopsy is completed a small metal clip is inserted to localize the area for a breast ultrasound and mammogram. An additional mammogram is done to confirm the clip placement.
Preparation For The Exam
Preparation for a biopsy consists of listing all your medications or herbal remedies. If you are allergic to local anesthetic please inform the radiologist or technologist.
Exam Time
The length of the MR Guided Biopsy exam is usually 60 to 90 minutes
Exam Results
After your exam, the radiologist will review your images and a report will be sent directly to your physician. Reports are available within 24 to 72 hours.