What is a stereotactic breast biopsy exam?
When is stereotactic breast biopsy performed?
What is a stereotactic breast biopsy machine?
How is a stereotactic breast biopsy performed?
What effect will the exam have on me during and following the procedure?
What is a stereotactic breast biopsy exam?
Stereotactic mammography pinpoints the exact location of a breast mass by using a computer and images taken from two different angles. With these coordinates, the radiologist can then insert the needle and advance it into the lesion and remove multiple tissue samples. In some instances, the entire abnormality can be removed.
When is stereotactic breast biopsy performed?
A stereotactic breast biopsy is performed when a mammogram shows a breast abnormality such as a suspicious solid mass or microcalcifications. It can also be utilized when a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue is identified or if there is an abnormal tissue change.
What is a stereotactic breast biopsy machine?
The stereotactic breast biopsy machine is a digital mammography machine. Images of the breast can be seen immediately on a computer screen with digital mammography.
How is a stereotactic breast biopsy performed?
You will lie face down on a moveable exam table and the affected breast will be positioned into the opening in the table. The table is raised and the procedure is performed beneath the table. The breast is compressed and held in position with the compression paddle throughout the procedure.
A local anesthetic will be injected into the breast to numb it. Several images will be taken of your breast before the procedure begins to assure the accurate placement of the needle in respect to the abnormality.
A very small nick will be made in the skin and the radiologist will insert the needle and advance it to the location of the abnormality. Mammographic images will be taken before the tissue sample is taken to make sure the needle tip is actually within the lesion.
A vacuum-assisted device is used to pull the tissue sample from the breast through the needle into a sampling chamber. The needle rotates and positions and collects samples without withdrawing from the breast. Six to eight samples will be taken around each lesion. A small marker may be placed at the site so that it can be located in the future if necessary.
A final set of images will be taken after the needle is removed from the breast. Once the biopsy is complete, pressure will be applied to stop any bleeding that may occur. A cold pack will be given to you to place inside your bra and over the biopsy area.
What effect will the exam have on me during and following the procedure?
The stereotactic breast biopsy is done on an outpatient basis, is a minimally invasive procedure and takes about an hour. You will be awake throughout the procedure. The procedure is not painful and the results are as accurate as a surgical biopsy. There will be no breast defects with this procedure. The breast tissue will not be distorted from this procedure and therefore will make mammogram interpretation in the future less difficult.
You will go home immediately following this procedure and can resume your usual activities within 24-hours. This procedure is approximately 1/3 the cost of a surgical biopsy and there are no side effects due to no anesthesia.
You should contact your referring physician if the breast becomes red or swollen. Any discomfort can be treated with over the counter medication.
