Stereotactic (X-ray Guided) Breast Biopsy
What are some of the common uses of the procedure?
A stereotactic breast biopsy uses a vacuum assisted needle biopsy device to obtain breast tissue with mammographic guidance. This tissue is then examined by a pathologist to determine whether it is malignant or benign.
A stereotactic biopsy is often performed when a patient has a mammogram showing a suspicious mass, tiny calcifications or an abnormal tissue change.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
If you take aspirin, aspirin containing products or blood thinners, we would like you to stop seven days prior to your procedure.
You will be able to drive after the biopsy.
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. You will be asked to lie face down on a specially designed table with your breast projecting through a round opening in the table. The table will be raised and the biopsy is performed below the table.
A paddle instrument compresses the breast to hold it in place during the procedure. A tray will be set up nearby, it contains all of the equipment needed during the biopsy.
The radiologist will use lidocaine to numb the area to be biopsied. This can sometimes sting for a few seconds but this 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.
A small nick in the skin is made and the tip of the biopsy needle is advanced to the calculated site of the lesion. Pictures are obtained to confirm that the needle is in the right position and then several samples are obtained. A small clip is left at the biopsy site so it can be easily located if the area proves to be cancer.
After the radiologist takes the samples, a technologist will apply pressure to the site to minimize any bleeding. Two mammogram pictures will be taken after the biopsy, this is considered your baseline. After the pictures are taken, a dressing will be put over the biopsy site and you will be given an ice pack. You will be sent home with a list of simple instructions.
You can expect to be at Advanced Medical Imaging for 1½ hours. The actual procedure will last for about 30 to 60 minutes.
If your biopsy results are benign, a six-month follow up mammogram will be scheduled.
How do I get the results of my biopsy?
The samples that are taken 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.