Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Definition of terms:

Anesthetic - Medication that produces loss of sensation for pain. May be local or general
Aspiration - Removal of fluid or cells by suctioning
Cyst - A fluid-filled sac
Biopsy - The removal of body tissues for study of how cells are made up
Benign - Not cancerous; no threat to the body
Hematoma - An accumulation of blood under the skin from a ruptured vessel
Malignant - Cancerous; a threat to the body
Mammogram - X-ray pictures of breasts using special mammography equipment
Pathology - The study of disease processes and consequences

If a suspicious area that cannot be felt or is very small is seen on a mammogram, stereotactic breast biopsy may be used to biopsy the area. This biopsy procedure is performed using a mammography table or an add-on unit to the mammography machine, a biopsy needle, and the guidance of a computer. This test, a new alternative to surgical biopsy, is done without the discomfort, risk, disfigurement or the expense of surgery. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to perform, and most patients return to their normal activities within a few hours.

Your breast will be compressed with a special mammography machine while stereo x-ray pictures are taken at angles. After the suspicious area has been identified, the radiologist enters information into a computer that calculates where the needle should be injected. The area of the breast to be biopsied is deadened with a local anesthetic. An instrument moves the biopsy needle in position and, at a rapid rate of speed, removes a sample of the suspicious tissue. If the suspicious area is a cyst and needs aspiration, the needle will be placed into the area and confirmed with x-rays before the aspiration begins. Because stereotactic biopsy uses a needle, damage to nearby tissue is minimal - unlike surgery, which may cause scarring to the breast. When the biopsy is completed, a small bandage will be placed over the biopsy site and you may return to your normal activities. You may shower the same day you have the biopsy.

The biopsy sample will be sent to the pathology lab for evaluation. The pathologist will send the referring physician a report stating if the biopsy was malignant or benign. Consult your physician regarding how and when you can expect to receive the biopsy results.

Infection is rare with stereotactic biopsy. However, there is a small possibility a hematoma may develop. If this occurs, inform your physician so this information can be recorded in your medical records. This area may later show up on mammography as a change in your breast tissues.

For more information, please call The Connie Dwyer Breast Center at (973) 877-5189.

Facts and Resources    |    Breast Center Home