Breast Biopsy with Ultrasound Guidance

What are some of the common uses of the procedure?
In most cases, it is not possible to tell from a mammogram or breast ultrasound whether a growth is benign or malignant. Ultrasound guided breast biopsy is a highly accurate way to evaluate suspicious masses within the breast that are visible on ultrasound.

How should I prepare for the procedure?
You may eat lightly before the biopsy.

You must not be taking aspirin, aspirin containing products or blood thinners for seven days prior to a needle biopsy.

You will be able drive after the procedure.

What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. You will lie on your back or slightly on your side on the ultrasound table for your biopsy.

A radiologist – a physician trained to diagnose conditions by interpreting medical images – will perform the biopsy. The radiologist will explain the procedure before he or she begins the biopsy.

The radiologist uses lidocaine to numb the area that is to be biopsied. This can sometimes sting for a few seconds but that quickly goes away. After the numbing you may feel pressure or pushing but you should not feel anything sharp for the remainder of the procedure.

The radiologist uses the ultrasound probe to locate the lesion and guides a biopsy needle to the mass to be biopsied. He or she will usually take about five to seven samples of the area using a spring-loaded device. Each sample will make a “snapping” noise but it should not hurt.

After the radiologist takes the samples, a nurse or technologist will apply pressure to the site to minimize any bleeding. They will put a gauze dressing over the biopsy site and give you an ice pack. You will be sent home with a list of simple instructions.

You can expect to be at Advanced Medical Imaging for approximately 45 minutes. The actual biopsy will take about 15 to 20 minutes.

How do I get the results of my biopsy?
The samples that we take are sent to a laboratory to be evaluated. It takes approximately two working days for the pathologist to look at the sample and make a diagnosis.

The results are faxed to your referring physician who should contact you regarding the diagnosis.