Stereotactic-Guided Breast Biopsy

What is a stereotactic-guided breast biopsy?

istock 865688550 1 cropped scaled 450 A breast biopsy is performed to remove some of the abnormal growth from a suspicious area in the breast and examine it under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. In a stereotactic-guided breast biopsy, a special mammogram machine is used to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.

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

  • No food or liquids for 2 hours prior to the procedure. However, you may take all regular medications as scheduled with small sips of water.
  • It is recommended that you arrange a relative or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
  • Report any medications you are taking to the radiology nurse, including “blood thinners”, such as aspirin, Plavix, Lovenox, Coumadin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, or Eliquis. Your physician may advise you to stop taking a “blood thinner” for a specific period of time before your procedure.
  • If you are taking Coumadin or Heparin, or you have known or suspected liver disease, your blood will be tested to determine if your blood clots normally.
  • Report any allergies to the radiology nurse, especially those to iodine contrast (x-ray dye) or local anesthetic medications.
  • Women should always inform the x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.

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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

  • Keep an ice pack on for 20 minutes each hour for the next 6 hours. Wear your bra for added support
  • Get plenty of rest for the remainder of the day after your biopsy. You may return to light activity the day after the biopsy.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous labor for 3 days after your biopsy.
  • Eat and drink normally. Increased fluid intake is recommended.
  • Mild pain, discomfort, or bruising at the procedure site is expected. You may take over-the-counter Tylenol for any pain you may experience.
  • You will have a small bandage over the site. You may remove the bandage in 3 days and leave the site dry and exposed. You may shower, but do not have a tub bath for 3 days.

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.
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