Biopsy of the Breast

We realize a biopsy may be an emotionally distressful experience. However, patient comfort, in addition to an accurate diagnosis, is our priority. Our radiologists and staff are trained to make this procedure as comfortable and quick as possible. A needle biopsy can be performed with local anesthetic and minimal discomfort. With this procedure, no stitches are required and most women can resume normal daily activity immediately. Keep in mind that more than 80% of all breast abnormalities are benign or non-cancerous.

Please do not take aspirin or Ibuprofen for 5-7 days prior to biopsy. Prior to your appointment, please let the staff know if you are taking any blood thinners. Please wear a supportive bra to help maintain the post-biopsy dressing. It is helpful to wear a two-piece outfit, preferably one that buttons up the front. No change of eating habits is required.

Biopsy samples are sent to a pathologist, who will analyze and provide your physician and Radiology Associates with a diagnosis. You will be notified of results within several days of your biopsy appointment.

Your physician’s office should contact one of our registered nurses to schedule your procedure. We will then contact you, schedule your appointment, and give you pre-procedure instructions.

Biopsies are the only definitive way to confirm if breast tissue is benign or cancerous. Needle biopsy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure used to get a sample from an abnormal breast lesion. Small amounts of breast tissue are removed through a needle, and the tissue is studied under a microscope by a pathologist, who will then provide a diagnosis.

There are various methods by which a needle biopsy can be performed. An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a technique most often used to guide a breast biopsy when a breast abnormality is visible on ultrasound.

A stereotactic breast biopsy allows for a needle biopsy to be performed on lesions which are more conspicuous on mammography than on ultrasound. This type of biopsy utilizes x-ray images (mammograms) of the breast tissue to guide the biopsy needle to the area of interest. Stereotactic biopsies are most commonly performed on tiny breast calcifications; buy may also be utilized on breast masses in certain situations.

An MR-guided biopsy is guided in real-time by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. It is the latest development and an important advance in diagnosing breast cancer. It is useful when an ultrasound or stereotactic-guided biopsy is not appropriate because the area of concern is not well seen by mammogram or ultrasound, but is discovered or is most conspicuous on MRI.

For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
Our interventional department provides procedures that many times are routinely performed in a hospital setting. We offer these services in the outpatient setting with your comfort in mind.

Our dedicated registered nurses provide your physician easy access for scheduling of procedures. We strive to perform your procedure at the scheduled time and offer convenient, easy access to our facility and ample parking.

Your physician’s office should contact one of our registered nurses to schedule your procedure. We will then contact you, schedule your appointment, and give you pre-procedure instructions.

After your procedure, a nurse will provide you with instructions prior to leaving our facility. It is always recommended that you have someone accompany you for your procedure that will be able to drive you home.

A nurse will provide you with instructions prior to leaving our facility.

After your biopsy, do not participate in any strenuous activity or take aspirin for 48-hours. You will be given an ice pack to place inside of your bra and will need to wear it for at least 4 hours. You are also asked to sleep in your bra for the next two nights. You may take Tylenol if needed for any discomfort.  The outer dressing may be removed after 24 hours.  The steristrip may be removed five days after the biopsy. You may bathe carefully with the steristrips in place, being careful not to loosen them. You may have some discomfort or bruising at the skin incision site. Watch for excessive bleeding, pain, or fever. Should any of these occur, contact our office at 850-878-6104.