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Guided Breast Biopsies
Stereotactic guided breast biopsy uses a specially designed digital mammography machine that images the breast with X-rays taken from different angles. This identifies coordinates that tell a radiologist where to insert a biopsy needle, which extracts small samples from the precise location of suspicious tissue. After the biopsy, the tissue samples are tested in a laboratory to determine whether they are cancerous. Who Benefits from Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsy Stereotactic guided breast biopsy is often the best procedure to use when the suspicious tissue was originally identified through a mammogram. An RMI Nurse Navigator will contact you prior to your appointment to discuss how to prepare. Generally, preparations and guidelines are the same as for a regular mammogram (see our mammography page for more information). You can expect to wear a gown that RMI will provide. You may also need to remove any jewelry or metallic accessories that could interfere with the X-rays. You will be lying facedown during the examination. To numb the breast so that you will feel little or no sensation when the biopsy needle is inserted, you will receive an injection of anesthesia, which may cause some drowsiness. So it is a good idea to arrange to have someone drive you home after the exam. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and is virtually painless, taking about one hour. We may recommend that you use a cold pack and over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any discomfort from mild swelling or bruising after the procedure. You should avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours, but should otherwise be able to resume a normal routine. Resources Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsy information from the Radiological Society of North America. |
About Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsy
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