Procedures
Image-Guided Breast Biopsy
An image-guided breast biopsy uses advanced imaging technology to locate an abnormal area in the breast and remove a small tissue sample for testing.
Image-guided breast biopsy offers a minimally invasive way to understand an abnormal area in the breast better. Using local anesthesia and imaging guidance, small tissue samples can be removed in less time, with less post-procedure pain, and with a quicker return to normal activities than with an open surgical biopsy. This procedure can help your care team determine whether an area is benign or cancerous, giving you clearer answers and helping guide the next step in your care.
Types of Image-Guided Breast Biopsies
ReCenter offers several types of image-guided needle core biopsy. Your doctor will recommend the best procedure to precisely locate your abnormal breast tissue.
A stereotactic needle core biopsy helps locate and sample breast abnormalities that are most visible through mammography, including calcifications or solid areas. Imaging and computer guidance help the radiologist target the correct tissue. For this procedure, you will lie on your stomach on a special X-ray table as the breast is gently compressed for imaging. The area is then numbed before tissue samples are taken with a biopsy needle.
Ultrasound-guided needle core biopsy uses sound waves to create a visual image of breast lumps on a screen to ensure the exact placement of the needle during the procedure. While positioned on your back, the ultrasound technologist scans the breast with a small hand-held device called a transducer. Once the area is located, it will be cleaned and numbed so that the biopsy needle can be inserted into the breast.
MRI-guided needle core biopsy uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and advanced computer imaging to target abnormal areas. Some abnormal tissue can only be seen using MRI. During this procedure, you will lie face down on a padded scanning table. The table will move into the scanner, and your breasts will be positioned in a device that allows them to be imaged and gently compressed. A local anesthetic is used before the biopsy needle collects small samples from the area.
About Image-Guided Breast Biopsy
What is an Image-Guided Breast Biopsy?
An image-guided breast biopsy helps locate abnormal tissue in the breast using ultrasound equipment or advanced computer imaging technology, including MRIs. By using technology, our specialists can precisely locate abnormal tissue so that small samples can be removed for testing.
Some breast lumps or abnormal areas cannot be felt, but can be seen through breast imaging. Image-guided breast biopsy allows the radiologist to use imaging technology to locate the area without the use of an open surgical biopsy.
What are the benefits of Image-Guided Breast Biopsy?
Image-guided breast biopsies offer many advantages over open surgical biopsies.
Potential benefits include:
- Little post-procedure pain
- Minimally invasive approach
- Local anesthesia
- Less time required
- Lower cost
- Quick return to normal activities
What is the difference between the types of needle core biopsies?
The main difference is the type of imaging used to guide the biopsy. Stereotactic biopsy uses mammography, ultrasound-guided biopsy uses sound wave imaging, and MRI-guided biopsy uses magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will recommend the option that gives the clearest view of the area being sampled.
What happens during a Image-Guided Breast Biopsy?
Before the procedure begins, you will be asked to undress and change into a smock or gown. Your position will depend on the type of biopsy being performed.
The area to be biopsied will be located using imaging. Then, the area will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. You may feel a slight burning sensation when the numbing medicine is injected.
After the area is numbed, the biopsy needle will be inserted. You may feel some pressure at the time. Several small samples of breast tissue will be removed.
What happens after the Image-Guided Breast Biopsy?
At the end of the biopsy, a tiny titanium marker may be placed in the breast. This marker can serve as a guide for follow-up mammograms and treatment.
The marker will not affect future X-rays, MRI exams, metal detectors, or airport screenings. A mammogram may be needed immediately after the procedure to verify the marker's location.
A report is also prepared for your doctor, who will guide you on your results.
What are the risks of a Image-Guided Breast Biopsy?
Core biopsy is considered a safe and easy procedure, though risks can include bleeding, infection, or failure to remove the desired tissue. Specific after-care instructions will be provided at the time of the procedure.
When will I get my results?
After the biopsy is performed, a pathologist will prepare a report for your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions for receiving your biopsy results.
How should I prepare for an Image-Guided Breast Biopsy?
Your doctor will provide specific instructions to prepare for your biopsy procedure.
You may be asked to stop aspirin, aspirin-like products, NSAIDs, vitamins, herbal supplements, or blood-thinning medications before the procedure. Always check with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Additional instructions may include:
- Showering the night before and the morning of the procedure
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing and a top that is easily removed
- Wearing a supportive bra without underwire
- Avoiding heavy perfumes, powder, or deodorants around the breast or surrounding area
- Eating, drinking, and taking routine medications unless instructed otherwise
- Arranging for someone to drive you home if medication is given to help you relax