What to expect during your biopsy
Stereotactic biopsy
This is a procedure used to diagnose a small mass or calcification’s seen with the mammogram.
While lying on the stereotactic table; the breast to have the tissue sampled is positioned through the opening on the table. Underneath the table is the special stereotactic instrument that determines the exact location and depth of the questioned finding. That area of the breast is numbed with local anesthesia. A special biopsy needle is inserted into the breast after a small nick is made in the skin. After the tissue sampling has been completed, the incision is closed using a steri-strip and a sterile bandage.
Your biopsy results will be called to you within 24 -48 hours.
Ultrasound Core Biopsy
This is a procedure used to diagnose a mass seen with ultrasound.
Using the ultrasound equipment, the area in question will be localized. After numbing the area using local anesthesia, a small nick is made in the skin. A biopsy needle is placed into the breast with ultrasound guidance. Several samples will be taken of the same area to ensure adequate sampling.
The incision will be closed using steri-strips and a sterile bandage. You will be sent home with extra steri-strips, Tylenol and an ice pack to help in case you experience some pain or soreness.
You may notice some bruising and minor discomfort for the 1st few days following your procedure. Your biopsy results should be available in 24-48 hrs.
Cyst Aspiration
Using ultrasound guidance, a small needle is inserted into the cyst. The doctor will aspirate the cyst fluid into a syringe and based on the contents of the cyst, the doctor may or may not elect to send the fluid to the pathologist for further studies.
MRI biopsy
This is a procedure used to diagnose an enhancement seen on the MRI.
An MRI will be performed prior to the biopsy. Contrast is injected to be able to see the enhancement. You will remain on the MRI table after the MRI for the biopsy to be performed. During the MRI and biopsy, the breast will be stabilized.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. While the breast is immobilized, a small nick is made in the skin. A biopsy needle is then inserted into the breast. A number of samples will be taken of the same area to ensure adequate sampling. Scans will be done prior to sampling and after sampling.
The incision will be closed using steri-strips and a sterile bandage. You will be sent home with extra steri-strips, Tylenol and an ice pack to help in case you experience some pain or soreness.
You may notice some bruising and minor discomfort for the 1st few days following your procedure. Your biopsy results will be available within 24-48 hours. We will call you with your results.
- Stereotactic Biopsy
- Ultrasound Core Biopsy
- MRI Biopsy
