A stereotactic-guided needle biopsy of the breast is a non-surgical approach that uses specialized digital mammography equipment to guide the radiologist with pinpoint precision to biopsy an area of suspected abnormality.
This is an outpatient procedure that lasts about an hour and is performed with a local anesthetic. Digital mammographic images targeted to the area to be biopsied are taken. The radiologist uses these images to calculate exactly where to insert the needle once the anesthetic has taken effect. The needle used is powered by a device that is "vacuum-assisted", allowing for all necessary tissue samples to be obtained through one needle insertion. The breast tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab, where a pathologist reviews them and determines whether or not cancer is present. Results are available in 48-72 hours, and will be discussed with you and your referring physician once they are received.
Patients who take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications regularly should consult with their referring physician and stop seven days prior to the biopsy. Those medications can be resumed 48 hours after the biopsy. Patients taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin) need to stop those as well, but only with special instructions from their referring physicians.
An ultrasound-guided core biopsy is recommended when a nodule is initially seen on a mammogram or breast MRI or only on an ultrasound exam.
The patient lies on her back on a table while the physician locates the abnormality on ultrasound. The skin is sterilized and numbed with a local anesthetic.
During the biopsy the radiologist scans the breast with a hand-held ultrasound transducer in order to see the tip of the needle and confirm that it is precisely in the correct spot. While taking a tissue sample, the equipment will make a clicking sound. Small areas of tissue are removed painlessly from the abnormal area and sent for testing.
The tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for further testing, and you and your doctor will be given the results in 48-72 hours.
Patients who take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications regularly should consult with their referring physician and stop seven days prior to the biopsy. Those medications can be resumed 48 hours after the biopsy. Patients taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin) need to stop those as well, but only with special instructions from their referring physicians.
An MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is performed on breast abnormalities that cannot be felt or seen on mammography or breast sonography. As with other breast biopsies, it draws tissue samples from breast abnormalities to determine whether or not they are cancerous. "Vacuum-assisted" refers to the vacuum-powered needle used during the biopsy, allowing for all necessary tissue samples to be obtained through one needle insertion.
This kind of breast biopsy lasts about 45 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic. After the anesthetic has made your breast numb, a tiny incision will be made at the insertion site of the biopsy needle. The needle is then inserted through the incision, and an MRI is done to ensure that the needle has been inserted into the abnormality. With the assistance of vacuum power, several tissue samples are then pulled out from the breast and into a special container.
After the tissue samples have been obtained, the needle is removed from the breast and pressure is applied to the site of the biopsy to stop any bleeding. A bandage is then applied to the area. You will return home the same day, although exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for 24 hours. The tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for further testing, and you and your doctor will be given the results in 48-72 hours.
Patients who take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications regularly should consult with their referring physician and stop seven days prior to the biopsy. Those medications can be resumed 48 hours after the biopsy. Patients taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin) need to stop those as well, but only with special instructions from their referring physicians.
A needle localized surgical breast biopsy is recommended when a breast abnormality is seen on a mammogram, breast ultrasound, or breast MRI but cannot be felt or accurately biopsied with a needle. Using the same kind of imaging for guidance, the radiologist introduces a thin metal wire into the abnormal area in the breast, enabling the surgeon to remove that region with great precision. The tissue is then studied by the pathologist to determine whether or not it is cancerous.
A breast cyst is a fluid-filled pouch that commonly forms in women's breasts, and ultrasound can precisely help the radiologist direct a needle into it in order to drain out its contents.
Breast cyst aspiration is done as an outpatient procedure. It usually takes minutes to perform, and you remain awake the entire time. This procedure offers more precise results than breast cyst aspirations that are not performed with ultrasound guidance.
