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Image Guided Biopsies

About Image Guided Biopsies

A critical step in the diagnostic process for cancer, biopsy involves removing a sample of suspicious tissue so that its cells can be examined in a laboratory to determine if they are cancerous.

Biopsies sometimes require major surgery, but image-guided biopsy has emerged as a less invasive procedure that is especially suitable as a test for breast cancer. In image-guided biopsy, a radiologist extracts a tiny sample of tissue using a needle that is guided precisely to the correct location using high-end medical imaging equipment.

As one of the few imaging centers in Michigan to have won accreditation as a Breast Center of Excellence from the American College of Radiology, RMI provides three classes of image-guided breast biopsy:

• MRI Guided Breast Biopsy - uses magnetic resonance imaging (radio waves) (see our MRI page for general information)
• Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsy - uses X-rays from a special mammography machine designed for use in biopsies (see our mammography page for general information)
• Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy - uses sound waves (see our Ultrasound page for general information)

The type of image-guided biopsy your physician orders will depend on your specific situation, such as the location of a suspicious mass, your medical history, or the imaging method that initially identified a suspicious area. The primary difference among the procedures is the type of imaging technology used to guide the needle.

Is there any preparation necessary before the biopsy?

No. Be comfortable. Eat what you generally eat, and take any medications you normally take. If you are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin or Coumadin, we may need to make special arrangements. If you have been told to take antibiotics before any procedure, because of a heart condition or joint replacement surgery, let us know.

To further prepare you for your procedure, a Nurse Navigator from RMI will also contact you before the day of your appointment to discuss what you should expect. You can also follow the links above for additional specific information about each type of breast biopsy procedure.