Stereotactic (Mammographically Guided) Breast Biopsy

The staff and Radiologist at NDIC are among the best at taking care of this sensitive subject and will assist you in any way to provide you with outstanding care and comfort.  NDIC uses only the state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, and will provide any information you require.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is a procedure that is done using image-guidance. This technique is used when both the patient and physician strongly prefers a non-surgical method of assessing a breast abnormality. A special mammography machine is used to guide the Radiologists instrument’s to the site of abnormal growth in the breast tissue.  

What can I expect?

No advance preparation is required for this exam. As you begin the procedure, you will be
asked to lie on a specially-designed table which places your breast through an opening. The breast is compressed and held into position throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic will be injected into the breast. You may hear the “click” of the instrument, but should not experience any significant pain. Several stereotactic pairs of images are taken. These images pinpoint the exact location of a breast mass by using computer and x-rays taken from two different angles. Using computer coordinates; the Radiologist inserts the needle through the skin, and advances it into the lesion and removes tissue samples. An instrument called a vacuum-assisted device (VAD), a vacuum powered instrument that uses pressure to pull tissue into the needle, is used to aide in this procedure.

You will be awake during your biopsy and should have little or no discomfort. Most patients report little to no pain and no scarring on the breast. You must remain still while lying on your stomach throughout the procedure. As tissue samples are taken, you may hear clicks from the biopsy instruments.

If you experience swelling and bruising following your biopsy, you may be instructed to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a cold pack on your breast. Temporary bruising is normal, however any symptoms that are of concern to you please contact NDIC (Tel: 593-4200), or your physician.

Who will interpret the results and how do I get them?
A pathologist examines the removed specimen and makes a final diagnosis. This process will take a few days, the main question being: Is the mass benign (not cancer) or cancerous? The results will be discussed with you by your physician.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

Like Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Ultrasound guided breast biopsies are actually image guided biopsies that use Ultrasound to guide the instruments rather than x-rays. This is done when a mass or abnormal area of breast tissue is found.

The staff and Radiologist at NDIC are among the best at taking care of this sensitive subject and will assist you in any way to provide you with outstanding care and comfort.  NDIC uses only the state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, and will provide any information you require.

How is the procedure performed?
With the patient lying on their back or turned slightly to the side, the ultrasound probe is used to locate the lesion. Enough local anesthesia is injected to be sure that the area is numb. A very small nick is made in the skin at the site where the biopsy needle is to be inserted. The Radiologist, constantly monitoring the lesion site with ultrasound, guides a hollow core biopsy needle or the vacuum–assisted needle directly into the mass and obtains specimens. Multiple samples will be taken. A clip is placed where the lesion was located to ensure that the site can be easily located for additional surgery if the lesion proves to be malignant (cancer).

What will I experience during this procedure?
You will be awake during your biopsy and should have little or no discomfort. Generally the biopsy is completed in less than an hour. It is not necessary to close the tiny skin incision with sutures; a small compression dressing will do. Most patients are able to return to normal activity later the same day.

Who will interpret the results and how do I get them?
A pathologist examines the removed specimen and makes a final diagnosis. This process will take a few days, the main question being: Is the mass benign (not cancer) or cancerous? The results will be discussed with you by your physician.