Imaging techniques play an important role in helping doctors perform breast biopsies, especially of abnormal areas that cannot be felt but can be seen on a mammogram or with ultrasound. If radiologists use ultrasound to guide the eyes and hands to the abnormality, then it is an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. If we use x-ray to guide our eyes and hands, then it is a stereotactic breast biopsy.

 One type of needle biopsy, the stereotactic-guided biopsy, involves the precise location of the abnormal area in three dimensions using digital mammography. Stereotactic refers to the use of a computer and scanning devices to create three-dimensional images. Following local anesthesia, a needle is then inserted into the breast and tissue samples are obtained.

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a procedure that uses ultrasound to enable the radiologist to obtain small samples of breast tissue. Ultrasound images are obtained of a localized area for biopsy. A local anesthetic is then used to anesthetize the area for biopsy.

Ultraodound is used as a guide for the radiologist to place the needle in the breast. After proper placement of the needle, several samples of tissue are then obtained. These are sent to the pathologist for microscopic examination.

Your Preparation for this Service:

1. Wear a 2-piece outfit (removable top). We will provide you a cover-up to wear during your procedure. Be sure your top is loose enough to accomodate a light dressing on your affected breast.
2. Wear little or no body powder or perfume to your appointment. Deodorant is fine in moderation.
3. Bring with you any previous images of your breasts that were done anywhere but here in the last 3-5 years.
4. You may eat and drink normally prior to this procedure.
5. Avoid blood thinners (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Fish Oil, some prescription medications – ask you doctor or pharmacist) for 2-3 days prior to the procedure
6. Bring with you a list of medications and any allergies.

            How Much Time to Allow for your Visit for this Service: 60-90 minutes.

What to Expect After this Service:

1. Your biopsy sample will be sent to a local pathologist for evaluation. It may be as much as 48 hours before the pathologist provides us with results. You will be called as soon as results are available by a member of our staff.
2. A written report will be provided to your physician within 48 hours with an addendum to the report as soon as the pathology report is completed.
3. You will leave our facility with a dressing and ice pack on your breast. This helps to decrease swelling of the area and moderate your discomfort once the local anesthesia has worn off. You may remove the dressing a few hours after your procedure.
4. You can return to work, drive yourself and generally continue your regular activities after leaving our facility. We do recommend that you do not lift anything heavy or engage in strenuous physical activity for about 48 hours after your procedure.
5. You may experience some tenderness in your breast for several days after the procedure. We recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever for this discomfort if needed.