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Image Guided Breast Biopsy
The number of ways of performing breast biopsies has increased over the years. While an image guided biopsy approach may vary based on the clinical finding, it is the only certain way to diagnose breast cancer without surgical biopsy. Today's procedures can be performed in the office and with minimal discomfort and stress on the patient.
Radiologists now have greater visibility and accuracy to help them reach and sample areas of concern.
Image guided biopsy offers the opportunity for a less invasive procedure from surgery with diagnostic results.
How to prepare for an Image Guided Biopsy?
- Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry around the area of examination. You will be asked to wear a gown.
- Before a needle biopsy, DRA Imaging's surgical nurse will contact you and review the procedure with you as well as verify your medical history to include any medications you are currently taking.
- If you are on any blood thinners such as coumadin or heparin, ibuprofen, or aspirin therapy you will be asked to stop taking the regimen five days prior to the exam.
- Inform your doctor about any recent illness or other medical condition.
- You may want to have a friend accompany you and drive you home afterward.
How is it performed?
- A specially trained Radiologist or Physician's Assistant will perform ultrasound guided breast biopsy.
- You will lie on your back on the ultrasound table or turned slightly to the side.
- A local anesthetic is injected into the breast to numb the area for biopsy.
- Pressing the ultrasound transducer to the breast, an Ultrasound technologist, PA, or Radiologist will locate the lesion.
- A small nick is made in the skin where the biopsy needle will be inserted.
- Under the guidance of ultrasound, the lesion is viewed while a needle is advanced for sampling to be obtained of the area. These samples will be sent to a lab for review and analysis.
- A small marker will be placed at the site for future reference.
- When the biopsy is completed, pressure is applied to stop any bleeding and the opening in the skin is covered with a dressing. No sutures are required.
- A three position unilateral mammogram may be performed to confirm the position of the marker.
- Please plan to be on site for 1-2 hours.
Pregnancy Policy:
All patients of childbearing age (10 - 54) will be required to sign that there is No Chance of Pregnancy prior to an imaging exam being performed (Exception: - Ultrasound). If there is a chance of pregnancy, STAT blood work will be ordered prior to the procedure being performed to establish that there is no chance of pregnancy.
In the event, you are pregnant and the exam is deemed necessary by your physician, you will be shielded and monitored with a radiation badge.