What to Expect
When you arrive we will give you a detailed explanation specific to your
procedure, and we will ask you to sign a consent form. You will be asked
to change into a gown. Once you are in the proper position, your skin
will be cleaned and numbed.
The method differs somewhat for each modality.
Stereotactic biopsy
You will lie face down on a special table. The technologist will help you
get in a position to ensure your optimal comfort. The breast of concern
is positioned by the technologist and the procedure is performed by the
radiologist. The radiologist is guided by taking X-rays of your breast
while you are lying on the table.
Ultrasound-guided biopsy
You will lie on your back on a padded table, with the arm of the affected
side resting on a pillow over your head. The technologist will scan your
breast with an ultrasound probe to localize the suspicious area, and the
radiologist will then perform the biopsy.
MRI-guided biopsy
You will lie face down, with your breast hanging in a specialized radio-frequency
coil. Contrast medium will be injected into a vein in your arm and an
MRI scan will be done to localize the area for the radiologist. Once the
area is precisely located, the biopsy procedure will be performed.
Frequently, after tissue samples have been removed, a tiny marker particle
called a “clip” is left inside your breast to identify the
biopsy site. If a “clip” is inserted into the biopsy site,
a mammogram will be taken after the biopsy to document its placement.
When the biopsy is over, the technologist will hold pressure on the biopsy
site for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding. The site will be dressed with
gauze and surgical tape, and an ice pack will be placed on it to reduce
swelling and bruising.
We then send the tissue sample to the pathologist who will issue a report
to your doctor, usually within two business days. The pathologist’s
report will be delivered to your physician, usually within two days.