Why has my doctor ordered a breast biopsy?

Your doctor has ordered a breast needle biopsy because there is a suspicious area in the breast.  Having a biopsy is the only way to know for sure if the lump is cancerous.  It is encouraging to know that 4 out of 5 biopsy results are not cancer.

What is Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?

During a Stereotactic Breast Needle Biopsy, small samples of tissue are removed from the breast using a hollow needle which is precisely guided to the correct location using x-rays and computer automation.

Radiology Regional was the first center in the area to receive accreditation from the American College of Radiology for Stereotactic Breast Needle Biopsy and Mammography. These advanced techniques are ideally suited to Radiology Regional Center's outpatient setting.

What can I expect during a Stereotactic Breast Needle Biopsy?

During the exam you will be lying on your stomach on a specially designed padded table with your breast placed through a hole in the tabletop. Your breast will be slightly compressed and held in position during the procedure. The skin of the breast will be anesthetized and a needle will be guided to the precise location. You may feel slight pressure, but you should not experience any significant pain.

What is Ultrasound-Guided Breast Needle Biopsy?

An Ultrasound-Guided Needle Biopsy of the breast is similar to the Stereotactic Biopsy.

Ultrasound would be chosen over Stereotactic Biopsy in cases where the lesion is only seen with ultrasound; the position of the lesion is not adequately visualized with stereotaxis; or patient factors prevent the use of stereotactic imaging.

Definitive diagnosis is expected with both Stereotactic Breast Needle Biopsy and Ultrasound-Guided Breast Needle Biopsy.

Studies have shown the procedures to have an extremely high sensitivity and specificity which is equivalent to open-surgical biopsy. The specially designed needle guidance system has an accuracy of +/- 1 millimeter.

What can I expect during an Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy?

What is MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy?

The MRI-guided breast biopsy, with the aid of the dedicated MRI coil and specialized software is a quick reliable procedure.  The MRI-guided biopsy is performed when an abnormality of the breast is not appreciated with certainty on either mammogram or ultrasound.  If mammogram or ultrasound findings are equivocal, however, and there is an abnormality seen on breast MRI, biopsy may be performed using MRI guidance.

What can I expect during a MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy?

You will be lying flat on your stomach with your breast in an open portion of the table, similar to positioning that was utilized for the original diagnostic breast MRI. While in the breast holder, scout images will be obtained and the lesion will be noted on the computerized images.  The doctor will return to the room and utilizing the compression paddle guidelines, the area of concern will be targeted on the breast.  The breast will be sterilely cleaned.  Anesthesia will be administered.  A biopsy needle will be guided to the precise location.  You may feel slight pressure; however, you should not experience any significant pain.  Images will be obtained with the patient in the MRI bore.  The patient, however, will be removed from the bore for easy access and reach ability by the radiologist.

How do I prepare for the breast biopsy ?

• Do not take any of the following for 5 days prior to biopsy:
  • Aspirin or anything containing aspirin
  • NSAIDS (i.e. Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Clebrex, etc.)
  • Plavix
• Do not take any of the following for 3 days prior to biopsy

• Coumadin (Warfarin) - LABS REQUIRED
• Vitamin E
• Pradaxa

• You may eat and drink as normal
• Bring or wear a sports bra to help with compression and comfort after the procedure

What can I expect after the breast biopsy?

Following the procedure, you may have tenderness at the site of the biopsy or bruising of the skin for several days. In almost all instances a simple Band-Aid will suffice as a dressing, and a cold pack can be used to relieve swelling or bruising. A mild analgesic such as Tylenol also can be used to relieve any discomfort. You will be able to return to most of your normal activities following the procedure. If you notice any bleeding, swelling, redness or heat, please call our Fort Myers/Cape Coral offices at 239.936.2316 or our Naples office at 239.430.1400 and ask for one of the radiologists or biopsy technologists. The final results from your biopsy are usually available from your referring physician two business days following the procedure.

Where are these procedures offered?

Related Topics

• Mammography
• Breast Ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Breast Cancer Support