Radiologists do breast biopsies using x-rays, ultrasound or
MRI to assist in guiding the needle to the proper place in
your breast.
The x-ray technique is known as the stereotactic method.
This technique is used primarily for suspicious
calcifications.
More commonly, the biopsy procedure is done using ultrasound
to guide the procedure. You can read about these procedures
.
For a stereo core biopsy, you will be positioned face down
on a special table which enables the doctor to work with
your breast. The table has an attachment that acts like a
mammography unit in the way that it compresses your breast.
Next, you will receive a local anesthetic and then x-rays
will be taken at two different angles. Our computer then
analyzes these x-rays to determine the location for the
biopsy.
For the biopsy itself, the doctor will insert a needle into
your breast and a small amount of the tissue in question is
quickly extracted with a special vacuum.
The biopsy specimens are taken to the laboratory for
preparation and analysis by pathologists. Your results will
probably be ready for the radiologist to review within 24 to
48 hours. After the radiologist has a chance to study these,
we will call you to discuss the findings.
This exam usually takes about an hour and you will be able
to return home immediately afterward. You will want to take
it easy for the rest of the day after your biopsy.
Often, a procedure similar to the stereo core biopsy (above)
is done using ultrasound instead of an x-ray to assist us
further in accurately locating your mass. This exam, too,
usually takes about an hour and you will be able to return
home immediately afterward. You will want to take it easy
for the rest of the day after your biopsy.
An MRI breast biopsy is a procedure in which part or all of
a suspicious breast growth is removed and examined through
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) guidance. The breast is
visualized and mapped using MRI, then the growth sample is
suctioned out through a needle by our radiologist. Once the
sample is attained, additional MRI views are taken to assure
sample accuracy. The sample is then examined and evaluated
under a microscope by a pathologist to identify
non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue. The
pathologist and radiologist will contact your physician with
the results.
Please read our MRI pages <<insert link to MRI here>>to
learn how to prepare for MRI services at SIRA. Notably, you
will need to remove any metal from your body or clothes
including jewelry, hairpins and barrettes, and you will want
to wear two-piece clothing so that your upper body may be
undressed for the procedure.
If you re experiencing breast discharge (leakage of fluid
from a duct in your nipple), you may need a test called a
galactagram to accurately diagnose the condition. For this
exam, the radiologist will insert a small tube into the
leaking duct through your nipple. When the tube is in place,
the doctor will inject a small amount of x-ray dye into your
duct. The technologist and radiologist will then take
pictures to show if you have blockage or filling defects in
the ducts.
This exam usually takes about an hour and you will be able
to return home immediately afterward with no restrictions.
