Breast Biopsies X-Ray Medical Group provides excellence in stereotactic breast biopy as well as ultrasond and MRI guided breast biopsy. You can find these services at at our Grossmont Imaging and Breast Center in La Mesa, CA. What is a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?

A stereotactic breast biopsy is most helpful when mammography shows a mass, a cluster of microcalcifications (tiny calcium deposits that are closely grouped together), or an area of abnormal tissue change but no lump can be felt on careful breast examination. There are a number of biopsy instruments and methods that are utilized with x-ray guidance. They include core biopsy, which uses a large-bore needle to remove a generous sample of breast tissue, and a vacuum-assisted needle biopsy device (VAD), which uses vacuum suction to obtain a tissue sample.

A Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is often done when :

• A woman has a mammogram showing a suspicious solid mass that cannot be felt on breast examination
• A woman has a mammogram showing a suspicious cluster of small calcium deposits
• The structure of the breast tissue is distorted
• A new mass or area of calcium deposits is present at a previous surgery site
• The patient or physician strongly prefers a non-surgical method of assessment

Additional Breast Biopsy Procedures

Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy

Ultrasound involves the sending of sound waves into the body. The reflections are then recorded by special instruments that create an image of anatomic parts such as the breast. No radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging, but ultrasound can be used to guide breast biopsies.

Ultrasound imaging can help to determine if an abnormality is solid a non-cancerous lump of tissue or a cancerous tumor) or fluid-filled (such as a benign cyst).

MR Guided Breast Biopsy

Magnetic resonance imaging is used to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the suspicious area. The procedure is less invasive than surgical biopsy, requires only a local anesthetic, leaves little or no scarring, and can be performed in less than an hour.

Needle Biopsy

A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue for examination by a physician. A needle biopsy, sometimes called a needle aspiration is the easiest way that tissue can be safely removed from the body. The procedure, involves a needle that is inserted through the skin. The needle biopsy may use a syringe or a needle to obtain the tissue sample.

How do I prepare for my breast biopsy?

Even though most women who have a breast biopsy are found not to have cancer, despite an abnormality on the mammogram, you may want to have a relative or friend join you to lend support and drive you home. If you are taking aspirin or a blood thinner, your physician may want you to stop three days in advance of the biopsy.