Excellence in Stereotactic Biopsy
What is a Stereotactic-guided breast biopsy?
An upright stereotactic breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a high level of precision. It is used to obtain a sample of breast tissue for further examination when a mammogram detects a suspicious area that cannot be easily felt. The patient will sit in a chair, and using mammography images, the radiologist guides a needle to the site of the abnormality to obtain tissue samples. This method, with its precise targeting of the suspicious area, is less invasive than a surgical biopsy. It is an essential tool for diagnosing breast cancer and other breast abnormalities, providing patients with a high level of accuracy and reassurance.
What is an Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy?
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a procedure used to obtain a sample of breast tissue for laboratory testing. During the procedure, an ultrasound machine is used to guide a needle to the area of concern in the breast, allowing the doctor to remove a small tissue sample for analysis. This technique often investigates suspicious lumps or abnormalities found during a mammogram or ultrasound. It's a minimally invasive procedure that can help determine whether a breast abnormality is benign or cancerous. Your healthcare provider is there to address any concerns you may have about this procedure, providing you with the support and care you need.
What is an MRI-guided breast biopsy?
An MRI-guided breast biopsy is a procedure used to obtain a sample of breast tissue for examination under a microscope. It is performed using images from an MRI scanner to locate and target the abnormal area in the breast precisely. This technique is often used when a suspicious area is detected on a breast MRI but is not visible on a mammogram or ultrasound.
Preparing for a
Breast Biopsy
- Patients should eat and drink normally before the biopsy.
- Blood Thinners: If patients are prescribed blood thinners (such as Coumadin or Warfarin), please inform the scheduler or technologist when scheduling the appointment.
- A sports bra, or tight-fitting bra, will provide good compression to the breast following the procedure. Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit. A gown, or cape, will be provided to wear during the procedure.
What Happens During a Breast Biopsy?
The total procedure time for a breast biopsy is approximately one hour from start to finish. Most of the procedure time is utilized for optimal positioning and safety.
Patients should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time to allow adequate time for registration and preparation for the biopsy. The staff will lead the patient back to the breast imaging suite and assist the radiologist during the procedure. The technologist will assist the radiologist in locating the abnormality with imaging assistance. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is administered, and a small incision is made to insert the biopsy needle. If a patient notices a restored sensation at any point during the procedure, additional numbing medicine can always be administered. After numbing, the biopsy device is inserted into the abnormality to acquire the tissue samples. A sensation of pressure is normal. The patient needs to remain still during the biopsy, ensuring the accuracy of the procedure.
The radiologist will take several tissue samples using breast imaging for guidance. Once the samples are obtained, the needle is removed, and a small marker (clip) will be placed at the biopsy site for future reference. This marker is a small, harmless device that helps to precisely locate the biopsy site for any future procedures or follow-up imaging. The technologist will manually hold compression over the biopsy site. The tiny skin incision will then be dressed with antibiotic ointment and Steri-Strips. The technologist will then take two additional mammogram images to document the clip's location in the breast tissue. Patients will receive an ice pack to keep on the biopsy site and post-biopsy care instructions, ensuring they have all the support they need post-procedure. The samples are then sent to a pathology lab for analysis to determine if the tissue is benign or malignant.
After Your Procedure
Following the procedure, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for the rest of the day. Patients may experience discomfort at the incision site and notice some bruising. This is a normal part of the healing and recovery process.
Icing the biopsy site for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off throughout the day will help alleviate any discomfort. Over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, also helps with pain and discomfort.
Do not submerge the breast tissue in bath water, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc., for approximately one week or until the breast tissue is healed. Showering is ok. Pat the area dry.
Results
The biopsy sample will be sent to the lab for a comprehensive analysis. A board-certified radiologist will thoroughly examine the biopsy images and the pathological results and provide a detailed written diagnostic assessment of their findings. Patients will receive a call to discuss the results from the radiologist or the Breast Health Certified Navigator. A copy of the radiologist's report will be available to patients via the patient portal and the referring provider.
About Innovative Radiology
Innovative Radiology is dedicated to providing access to the most advanced medical imaging and diagnostic assessments with a focus on providing a patient-centered experience.
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