Stereotactic Breast Needle Biopsy

What is Stereotactic (X-Ray Guided) Breast Needle Biopsy?

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is a simple and safe procedure performed in our office on an outpatient basis. Advanced digital imaging technology is used to map the precise location of the area of concern in your breast. This technology allows the Radiologist to remove small needle core samples of the suspicious tissue with pinpoint accuracy. The samples are sent to a pathologist, who specializes in the microscopic analysis of tissue for the purpose of diagnosis.

Patient Preparation

There are several things you can do to make your procedure easier and more efficient.

  • Discuss any medication you are taking with your physician. You will be asked to discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications, including aspirin and aspirin-like products, prior to your biopsy procedure. If you are taking medications such as heparin, coumadin, Warfarin, or Plavix you will need to check with your doctor who prescribed them about discontinuing their use prior to and after the biopsy day.
  • Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to remove from the waist up. A gown will be provided for your use.
  • Do not use deodorant, underarm powders or creams before the procedure. They may interfere with the quality of the images taken during your procedure.
  • Eat a light meal before your procedure. Limit your liquids, so that you do not have to use the restroom during the procedure.
  • The majority of patients are able to drive themselves to and from this appointment, but some prefer to have a friend or relative accompany them to their appointment.

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Exam

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials for your review. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • At the time of your appointment, you will be assisted to a dressing room and provided with a gown and asked to remove your clothing from the waist up.
  • A female technologist will position you face down on a specially designed table with your breast placed through an opening in the tabletop. The tabletop will be raised and the Radiologist and technologist will perform the procedure from beneath the table.
  • Your breast will be compressed and held in a fixed position to ensure the accuracy of the procedure. X-ray images will be taken, and special computer software will map the exact location where tissue samples will be taken. The skin over the biopsy area will be cleansed, and numbed with a local anesthetic injected into the breast with a small, thin needle. A tiny skin nick will be made just large enough for the biopsy needle to pass through as the tissue samples are taken.  You may feel some slight pressure and tugging. A number of needle core tissue samples will be taken to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible.
  • When the procedure is completed, a sterile bandage will be applied over the skin nick. You will be asked to wear a soft supportive bra for 24 hours following the procedure and to apply ice packs intermittently throughout the rest of the day to minimize swelling and bleeding. Stitches are not required for this procedure.
  • You should plan on being at our office for about two hours, although the actual biopsy will take approximately one hour. Once you receive instructions concerning the care of the biopsied area, you will be free to dress and leave. You will need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 24 hours. Remain off blood thinning medications for 48 hours. You may experience some discomfort and notice some bruising in the biopsied area. This usually disappears within five to seven days and is a normal part of the healing process.

Results

The results are usually available in three working days. Your referring clinician will review the pathology report and discuss the findings with you.  If cancer is found, your clinician will help you decide on the next step.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your doctor given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about this and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.