Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. Several different types of biopsy may be done.

  • UTRASOUND GUIDED
  • STEREOTACTIC

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

This article discusses stereotactic breast biopsy. A stereotactic breast biopsy uses mammography to help pinpoint the spot in the breast that needs to be removed.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up.

You will most likely be asked to lie facing down on the biopsy table. The breast that is being biopsied will hang through an opening in the table. The table is raised and the doctor will perform the biopsy from underneath. In some cases, stereotactic breast biopsy is done while the woman sits in an upright position.

A stereotactic biopsy includes the following steps:

  • The health care provider will first clean the area on your breast, and will then inject a numbing medicine. This may sting a little bit.
  • The breast is pressed down to hold it in position during the procedure. You need to hold still while the biopsy is being performed.
  • The doctor will make a very small cut on your breast over the area that needs to be biopsied.
  • Using a special machine, a needle or sheath is guided to the exact location of the abnormal area. Up to six or more tissue samples are taken.
  • A small metal clip or needle may be placed into the breast in the biopsy area to mark it for biopsy, if needed.

The biopsy itself is done using one of the following:

  • Fine needle aspiration
  • Hollow needle (called a core needle)
  • Vacuum-powered device
  • Both a needle and vacuum-powered device

The procedure usually takes about 1 hour, including the time it takes for the x-rays. The actual biopsy only takes several minutes.

After the tissue sample has been taken, the catheter or needle is removed. Ice and pressure are applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage will be applied to absorb any fluid. You will not need stitches after the needle is taken out. Steristrips may be placed over any wound, if needed.

This article focuses on needle-based, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.

Minimally Invasive Biopsies - using SenoRX biposy and GE Ultrasound

Before the procedure, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will wear a robe that opens in the front.

You will be awake during the biopsy. You will lie on your back. The health care provider will first clean the area on your breast, and then inject a numbing medicine.

  • The doctor will make a very small cut on your breast over the area that needs to be biopsied.
  • The doctor will use an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the abnormal area in your breast that needs to be biopsied.
  • Several biopsies may be taken.
  • A small metal clip or needle may be placed into the breast in the area of the biopsy to mark it, if needed.

The biopsy is done using one of the following:

  • Fine needle aspiration
  • Hollow needle (called a core needle)
  • Vacuum-powered device
  • Both a hollow needle and vacuum-powered device

Once the tissue sample has been taken, the catheter or needle is removed. Ice and pressure are applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage will be applied to absorb any fluid. You will not need any stitches after the needle is taken out. Steri-Strips may be placed over any wound, if needed.

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