A stereotactic biopsy may be recommended if an area of concern is found on your diagnostic mammogram or is located in an area of the breast where it is better visualized mammographically. Solis Women's Health physicians use this technique to take several small samples of an area in your breast tissue that needs further examination. The sample is then sent to a specially trained pathologist for evaluation.
Below are answers to the most common questions specific to this procedure:
What is a stereotactic breast biopsy?
A stereotactic biopsy is a reliable, minimally invasive method used if areas of concern were detected by a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI.
How is this procedure performed?
Most biopsies are performed on small, difficult to see tissues (lesion) using a stereotactic biopsy table. This equipment allows us to use computer and digital imaging to calculate the exact position of the area being targeted within the breast. Once the precise position is located, we are able to obtain small tissue samples with a specifically designed large needle. The tissue specimens are then sent to a specialized pathologist to be interpreted.
How is it different from a surgical biopsy?
A surgical biopsy is more invasive and typically requires general anesthesia, and a larger incision. A biopsy can be performed in our office under local anesthesia and involves a very small (1/4 inch or less) incision. Local anesthesia involves injection of a numbing agent directly into the breast tissue to block pain sensations. You will remain awake during the procedure. Most patients find the procedure involves only a brief sensation of pressure, and that it is over very quickly.
How long will this procedure take?
You should plan to be in our office for about two hours for this procedure. However, the biopsy itself will take only about 30 minutes. Only local anesthesia is used and most patients are able to return to their normal routine shortly afterward.
Do I need to do anything special before having this procedure?
Yes. You need to let us know about any over-the-counter or prescription medications that you are taking. If you take daily aspirin or use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Aleve on a regular basis, we will ask you to discontinue using these medications five days prior to the procedure. If you take the blood thinner warfarin (brand name is Coumadin), we will consult with your physician about possibly discontinuing this medication. We will have you discontinue these drugs to prevent possible bleeding complications.
Will I have to modify my activities?
Other than common wound care instructions, which our staff will carefully go over with you, your activities should not be impacted at all. We do not recommend activities, like running, that put a stress on the breast until the incision has healed, but most of our patients report minimal impact from the procedure.
Will I have a scar?
The incision is very small, and most women report that only they can find it after a few months. Our physicians approach most areas of concern from within the area covered by a bikini to achieve minimal, if any, cosmetic impact.
When will I get the results?
Usually within two days. We will schedule an appointment for you to receive your results when your pathology reports are available.
