Biopsy

A breast biopsy is performed to remove cells from a suspicious area of the breast seen on a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI or felt on examination. The biopsy can be performed surgically or non-surgically using a needle guided to the suspicious area by ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. Once in place, small pieces of tissue are removed through the needle and then sent to the laboratory to be examined under the microscope.

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

This procedure is performed using ultrasound to guide the radiologist’s instruments to the suspicious area of the breast.

Stereotactic Biopsy

The stereotactic biopsy is performed using a customized mammography machine to guide the radiologist’s or surgeon’s instruments to the suspicious area of the breast.

MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy

This procedure is performed using MRI to guide the radiologist’s instruments to the suspicious area of the breast.

Preparation for breast biopsy:

• Patients should generally stop taking aspirin and blood thinners four days before a procedure.
• All allergies, especially latex and lidocaine, should be reported to the physician performing your biopsy.
• MRI-guided biopsies require the use of a contrast agent that is given intravenously.
• The same restrictions for breast MRI are adhered to for MRI-guided breast biopsy.
• A list of current medications should be provided to the physician performing your biopsy.