What is a stereotactic-guided breast biopsy?
Lumps or abnormal growths in the breast are often detected by imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous.
Preparing for Stereotactic-Guided Breast Biopsy
What People Say About Us!
Amazing doctors , nurses,staff! Very thorough in treating my husband!!!! Thank you!!!!
What to Expect During My Breast Biopsy
A special mammography machine is used to guide the procedure. This helps the doctor locate the site of the abnormal growth in the breast and decide where to insert the biopsy needle. You will either be sitting upright or laying on your side and your breast will be placed in compression like you are having a mammogram. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and the area around the breast is covered with a large sterile sheet. You will feel a slight pinprick when the local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is injected in the area.
A small skin incision is made in the skin. Using mammography as a guide, one of our doctors will insert the hollow biopsy needle through the incision and advances it directly to the abnormal growth. Samples are then obtained by vacuum pressure which pulls tissue from the breast through the needle.
Typically 8-10 samples are collected from the growth. After this sampling, a small marker may be placed at the biopsy site so that it can be located in the future if necessary, and a bandage is placed over the procedure site.
What are the potential risks and complications?
- Bleeding at the procedure site
- Infection at the procedure site
- Injury to an adjacent skin, nerve, blood vessel, muscle, or underlying lung
After the Stereotactic-Guided Breast Biopsy Procedure
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Signs of infection at the procedure site, such as redness, swelling, or a fever.
- Bleeding from the procedure site.
- Worsening, severe pain near the procedure site.
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
Schedule A Consultation
If any further questions or complications arise and you do not know what to do, please call the radiology department at Summit Healthcare at 928-537-4375, ext. 6549. For questions after hours please ask for ext. 6332. Getting your biopsy results may take a few days. When the results are ready, your doctor will discuss them with you.