Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy

How It Works

The entire procedure can be performed in less than 1 hour. You’ll receive a local anesthetic prior to the procedure to minimize discomfort. Through a quarter-inch incision, the surgeon inserts a computer-guided probe into the suspected area to vacuum, cut, and remove tissue for lab analysis.

During the procedure, the surgeon can leave a tiny, surgical grade stainless steel device to mark the breast biopsy site. No sutures are needed, and the slight incision is covered with a small bandage.

Generally, a stereotactic breast biopsy:

• Hurts less
• Leaves less scarring
• Offers quicker results

What should I expect during my Exam?

This exam is performed by specially trained radiologists and mammography technologists in the mammography suites. Special instructions will be explained to the patient prior to scheduling the exam. Medical history and medications will be addressed. Done on an outpatient basis, the appointment takes approximately one hour with the actual biopsy procedure taking less than ten minutes.

You will be seated in a comfortable biopsy chair for the entire exam. The breast will be held in place by biopsy paddles and stereo pairs of x-ray images will be obtained to locate the area of interest. When the area is located there will be a small injection of anesthesia to help numb the breast. A small nick is made in the skin to allow easy access for the biopsy needle. The radiologist will advance the needle to the area of abnormality.

Tissue samples will be acquired using the biopsy needle and a vacuum assisted device. The tissue samples will be imaged in the mammography suite to assure the area of concern was biopsied. The biopsy needle will be removed and a special tissue marker will be deployed into the breast biopsy site. The tissue marker will remain in the breast with no adverse effects. The tissue samples will be sent to the pathology department for diagnosis.

A post procedure mammogram will be performed to confirm that the tissue marker is in the proper position. When the biopsy is complete, pressure will be held on the area of biopsy to stop bleeding and a small pressure bandage will be applied to the breast. A post procedure instruction sheet will be given to the patient upon completion of the exam. It will be necessary for you to have a ride home following your procedure. Most women return to their normal routine immediately, however, we recommend no strenuous activity for 24 hours.

When will I be informed of my results?

The biopsy results will be phoned to the patient by the radiologist as soon as they are available, usually within seven days.