Stereotactic Biopsy

Based upon the results of your last mammogram, your physician may recommend that an area of your breast be biopsied in order to obtain further information.  This can be accomplished through a technique known as Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsy.  Stereotactic Breast Biopsy was developed as an alternative to surgical breast biopsy.  It assists your doctor in diagnosing the cause of a lesion, lump, or calcifications found on your mammogram.  This is generally an area so small or deep that you cannot feel it.

Eighty percent of non-palpable (not felt) breast lesions are benign.  Once cancer is ruled out, the need for surgery is eliminated.  Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis and is about one third the cost of surgery without the need for hospitalization or general anesthesia.  Unlike an open surgical biopsy, there is no significant scarring.

This procedure involves obtaining small samples of tissue from a specific area or areas with the breast.  This is done by using a hollow needle, which is precisely guided to the correct location via breast imaging (xray) and computer coordinates.

What to expect during your visit:

When You Arrive At VRMC
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time.  Enter VRMC through the main lobby and proceed to the patient services desk.  A patient services representative will help you register for admission to our Imaging Department.  A patient services volunteer will escort you to the Liz Prebich Women's Center where the Stereotactic Breast Biopsy equipment is located.

Time Required For Stereotactic Biopsies
The entire procedure will take about one and a half hours to complete.  Allow extra time for registration and dressing.

Directions Before your Stereotactic Biopsy
You will be instructed not to take blood thinners such as aspirin or Coumadin for up to seven days before the procedure.  Take any other medications as prescribed.  A light meal should be eaten prior to the procedure.  Wear comfortable clothing, preferably a two-piece outfit.

During Your Procedure
At all times during the procedure you will be informed about what is occurring and what you need to do to assist in the exam.  For the exam, you will be asked to lie face down on a table specially designed to facilitate the procedure.  Your breast will be placed through an opening in the table.  Your breast will be compressed, much like a mammogram, and held in position throughout the procedure.  The radiologist and technologist will work from underneath the table, which will be raised during the procedure.  Several images will be taken to ensure exact positioning.  Two views are taken, one from the left at 15 degrees and another at 15 degrees to the right.  These views are combined through a computerized digital system to create a "stereo image."  The stereo image allows the radiologist to pinpoint the exact coordinates of the area of concern.

The area is cleaned with a sterile solution.  Local anesthetic is then administered to the skin.  Once the initial sting or burning sensation has passed, only pressure is felt during the exam.  Next, a small nick is made in the skin where the hollow biopsy needle is placed.  Images are once again obtained to confirm position.  The needle will be advanced during which an audible clicking sound will be heard.

Samples are then taken from the identified area.  About 6 to 10 tissue samples are taken and sent to pathology laboratory for diagnosis.

Once again, additional stereo images will be taken to confirm the sampled area and that no further sampling is necessary.  After the biopsy needle is withdrawn, pressure is held on the needle insertion site for about ten minutes and then covered with a simple dressing.  An ice pack is given to help with discomfort, in any.

The entire procedure for the most part is painless and takes about one and a half hours to complete.  Unlike open surgical biopsies, there is no significant scarring within the breast.

After Your Procedure
Once the procedure is completed, you can return to your normal routine, or you may wish to go home to relax for the remainder of the day.  Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 hours.