Stereotactic
Breast Biopsy
A stereotactic
breast biopsy is a non-surgical,
minimally invasive procedure used
to obtain tissue samples for microscopic
examination. Mammographic guidance
is used to find the area, which
usually cannot be felt. The radiologist
removes samples of breast tissue
using a special needle. These
tissue samples are sent to the
pathologist for review. The patient’s
healthcare provider will receive
a pathology report several days
after the biopsy and will review
the results with the patient.
How
to prepare for a stereotactic
biopsy
- There
are no diet restrictions, eat
and drink as usual.
- Take
usual medications on exam day
- Aspirin
and anticoagulants increase
the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Patients
taking anticoagulants (blood-thinners)
or aspirin should contact
the doctor managing those
medications to see if they
can safely stop them prior
to the biopsy
- Herbal
substances that affect bleeding,
such as Gingko biloba, should
be stopped two weeks prior to
the breast biopsy
- Advise
Providence Imaging Center’s
scheduler of allergies to latex,
lidocaine, as well as any history
of anticoagulants, prior to
appointment
- Omit
using lotion or powder on the
breasts on exam day
- Wear
a two-piece outfit and a supportive
bra
What
to expect during the procedure
Once
checked in and registered, the
patient is taken to a dressing
room. She will remove her shirt
and bra and put on a mammography
cape or a front-opening smock.
If desired, she will also be given
a robe. A locker is available
to secure personal items. The
patient will wait in the Women’s
Lounge until the technologist
escorts them to the stereo room.
The technologist
will review the procedure with
the patient, answer any questions,
and have her sign a consent form.
The patient will be asked to lie
face down on a table and the breast
is placed through an opening.
The table will be raised. It is
important to lie very still. As
in a mammogram, mammography plates
will be positioned around the
breast, compressing it to locate
the area of concern. Mammography
films are taken and the radiologist
uses a computer to help locate
the area to be sampled.
The
skin in the area to be biopsied
is cleaned with betadine. A local
“numbing” anesthetic, usually
lidocaine, is administered, which
will numb an area about the size
of a quarter. A special “core”
needle is inserted into the breast
and tissue is removed The
process is repeated to obtain
several tissue samples.
As the samples are taken, mechanical
sounds, including a loud click,
will be heard. The process will
be explained to the patient throughout
the procedure. Some women report
a sensation of pressure, if discomfort
is experienced, the radiologist
can administer additional anesthetic.
After adequate sampling, a clip
is placed inside so the site of
the biopsy can be identified in
future mammograms.
Tissue
samples are then sent to the pathology
department for processing, interpretation
and reporting.
After the procedure
- The
radiologist or technologist
will apply pressure to the biopsy
area for several minutes to
stop any bleeding; the biopsy
area will be closed with a steri-strip
and sterile dressing
- The
patient will be given a small
ice pack for her bra to help
reduce bruising. It is recommended
to apply ice on and off the
rest of the day.
- Patients
should be able to drive or return
to work following the biopsy
- Avoid
heavy lifting for the next two
days to prevent bleeding or
extended bruising.
- Take
a non-aspirin pain reliever,
like Tylenol, Advil, Motrin,
etc., for discomfort. Avoid
aspirin for 48 hours
- Remove
dressings and shower the morning
after the biopsy; leave the
steri-strips in place, which
should begin to peel off on
their own in four to five days
- Check
the biopsy area daily; contact
Providence Imaging Center if
there is excessive pain, bleeding,
swelling, drainage, redness,
or the area is warm to touch.
If unable to reach PIC, the
patient should contact her healthcare
provider.
Results
and follow-up
The patient’s
clinician will contact her several
days after the biopsy procedure
with the results. Follow
up with a diagnostic mammogram
is recommended six months post
biopsy. The radiologist
will determine if any further
imaging studies should be performed. Please call the PIC nurse at (907) 261-3607
if there are questions about the procedure
or results.
Breast biopsy instructions (downloadable PDF)
