A biopsy is performed to evaluate the abnormal/questionable findings of breast images.
Types of biopsies:
Mammogram guided Needle Placement:
This procedure is performed in the breast center prior to surgical removal. A wire is used to localize an area of interest that presented itself on the mammogram. Once the area is localized, you will then be taken to surgery to have that area removed and tested for abnormalities.
Ultrasound guided Needle Placement:
This procedure is also performed in the breast center prior to surgery. The wire used for localizing a specific area is guided by using ultrasound. After the area is localized, you will then be taken to surgery to have the area removed for further testing.
Stereotactic biopsy:
A stereotactic biopsy is performed when an abnormal area in the breast is too small to be palpated. This procedure is performed in the breast center. You will be positioned on a table lying face down. Your breast will be placed through an opening for access to the area of interest. A core needle and a vacuum assisted device is then used to remove some of the abnormal cells to determine if the lesion is benign or cancerous. An estimated six to eight samples will be removed. Once the procedure is complete, usually around an hour, you will be given home going instructions by our nurse navigator.
Ultrasound guided core biopsy:
This procedure is performed when an abnormality appears on an ultrasound exam of the breast. The ultrasound guided core biopsy is similar to that of the stereotactic biopsy. The only difference is that the core needle is guided by ultrasound and you are lying on your back for the procedure.
Fine needle aspiration:
This procedure is performed using ultrasound for guidance. The procedure is used to remove fluid filled areas, usually cysts, within the breast. The fluid is collected and taken to the laboratory to be tested for abnormalities.
If you have any questions about a breast biopsy, please call Lynn Jann, Nurse Navigator, at
440-816-2674.