Your stereotactic breast biopsy
This is a minimally invasive method of taking a sample of suspicious tissue. Stereotactic refers to using two or more simultaneous X-ray views to target the area with pinpoint accuracy. This method of biopsy allows removal of a tissue sample through a small puncture, with little or no discomfort to you. The tissue is then studied under a microscope.
What are the advantages of a stereotactic breast biopsy?
In the past, these abnormalities, or lesions were treated in one of two ways: either they were followed over a period of time by the physician to see if there was a significant change, or the patient had surgery to remove the lesion completely (surgical excisional biopsy).
However, a large percentage (80%) of these abnormalities are benign and present no health risk to the patient. For this reason, the technology of stereotactic breast biopsy was developed. Physicians agree that the stereotactic biopsy procedure is less painful, and is a less invasive way to obtain the tissue sample needed for diagnosis. This procedure requires much less recovery time than does an excisional biopsy and there is no significant scarring of the breast.
Before the Procedure
- Tell your doctor what medications you take (including aspirin and ibuprofen). Ask if and when you should stop taking them.
- Wear a top that’s easily removed and a comfortable bra.
- Bathe before the procedure. Do not wear perfume, deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, powder, or any other substance on your skin.
- Try to empty your bladder before the procedure to help you be more comfortable on the table.
- You undress from the waist up and put on a gown that opens in the front.
- You lie on your stomach on a special table.
- Your breast is placed through an opening in the table. The skin on your breast is cleansed and numbed.
- The breast is pressed between two flat plates and a low-dose x-ray is taken. The x-ray helps find the exact tissue to be sampled.
- A needle is then guided to the biopsy area and removes several tiny samples of breast tissue.
- After the needle is removed, a small bandage is placed on the skin. You can get dressed and go home soon after the procedure is finished.
- Take it easy for 24 hours.
- Ask how long you should use an ice pack over the biopsy area, when your bandage can be taken off, and when you can take medication (including aspirin) again.
- You may have a bruise for about one to two weeks after the procedure. This is normal. You may also have a tiny scar.
- If you have fever, excessive bleeding, or other problems, call your health care provider.
The Procedure
- You undress from the waist up and put on a gown that opens in the front.
- You lie on your stomach on a special table.
- Your breast is placed through an opening in the table. The skin on your breast is cleansed and numbed.
- The breast is pressed between two flat plates and a low-dose x-ray is taken. The x-ray helps find the exact tissue to be sampled.
- A needle is then guided to the biopsy area and removes several tiny samples of breast tissue.
- After the needle is removed, a small bandage is placed on the skin. You can get dressed and go home soon after the procedure is finished.
After the Procedure
- Take it easy for 24 hours.
- Ask how long you should use an ice pack over the biopsy area, when your bandage can be taken off, and when you can take medication (including aspirin) again.
- You may have a bruise for about one to two weeks after the procedure. This is normal. You may also have a tiny scar.
- If you have fever, excessive bleeding, or other problems, call your health care provider.
