Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is preformed when suspected irregular growths in the breast require lab analysis to determine what type of cells are involved. During a biopsy a sample of breast tissue is taken to check a suspicious area found on a mammogram, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The good news is that 80% of women who have a breast biopsy do not have breast cancer.

There are several factors that help a doctor decide which type of biopsy to recommend. These include the appearance, size, and location of the suspicious area on the breast.

The stereotactic biopsy equipment is part of our mammography unit, so you will recognize the device. Depending on the area of concern, you will either sit or lie on your side for the procedure. As when you have a mammogram, your breast will be compressed for the procedure. Several images will be taken in order to locate the area in question.
A small amount of local anesthetic will be injected into the breast tissue to numb the area. The radiologist will then insert a biopsy needle and take several tissue samples for analysis. A tiny clip will be placed to mark the area where the samples were taken, which you will not feel. After the procedure, a gentle mammogram will be performed to verify proper clip placement.

The radiologist uses ultrasound to locate the area for biopsy and to direct the needle used in collecting breast tissue samples.

Both methods can be as accurate as a surgical biopsy and are performed on an outpatient basis, taking less than 40 minutes to perform and requiring no stitches. Furthermore, the patient can resume normal, non-strenuous activities immediately after the procedure is done. The samples are sent to the pathology lab for analysis. Results are usually available within 48 hours.

We can perform a standard needle biopsy in the MRI suite if a lesion is detected only on a Breast MRI exam, and this can be performed in under an hour.