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Stereotactic or X-Ray Guided Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a less invasive alternative to open surgical biopsy, which removes an entire breast lump for microscopic analysis. Stereotactic breast biopsy has proven to be as accurate as open surgical biopsy. In this procedure, the radiologist will pass a hollow needle through your skin into the suspicious mass with the help of special breast x-rays and a computerized mammography machine, which uses intersecting coordinates to pinpoint the area of tissue change. The radiologist will insert the needle several times, so the procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes. After the radiologist obtains the small sample of breast tissue, a pathologist will make the final diagnosis as to whether the mass is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). When the biopsy is complete, the doctor will place a bandage over the biopsied area and an ice pack (of frozen peas) on the breast.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
Mammography is an excellent way to detect breast abnormalities, but in many cases it is not possible to tell from the mammogram alone whether a growth is benign or cancerous. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a highly accurate way to evaluate suspicious masses within the breast, whether or not they can be felt on breast self-examination or clinical examination. The procedure prevents the doctor from having to remove tissue surgically and eliminates the radiation exposure that comes from using x-rays to locate a mass.
As you lie on your back, the technologist will place an ultrasound probe over the site of the breast lump. Using local anesthesia, the radiologist will guide a biopsy needle directly into the mass and then take tissue specimens using an automatic spring-loaded device. This procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes and has all the advantages of a stereotactic breast biopsy. When the biopsy is complete, the doctor will place a bandage over the biopsied area and an ice pack (of frozen peas) on the breast.
Prepare For Your Exam
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a less invasive alternative to open surgical biopsy, which removes an entire breast lump for microscopic analysis. Stereotactic breast biopsy has proven to be as accurate as open surgical biopsy. In this procedure, the radiologist will pass a hollow needle through your skin into the suspicious mass with the help of special breast x-rays and a computerized mammography machine, which uses intersecting coordinates to pinpoint the area of tissue change. The radiologist will insert the needle several times, so the procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes. After the radiologist obtains the small sample of breast tissue, a pathologist will make the final diagnosis as to whether the mass is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). When the biopsy is complete, the doctor will place a bandage over the biopsied area and an ice pack (of frozen peas) on the breast.
Even though most women who have breast biopsies are found not to have cancer, despite an abnormal mammogram, you may want to have a relative or friend join you to lend support and to drive you home. If you are taking aspirin or a blood thinner, your physician may want you to stop three days prior to the biopsy but stopping blood thinners is not necessary.