Stereotactic Core Breast Biopsy
Some women may need to undergo a stereotactic core biopsy. A radiologist performs the stereotactic core biopsy using a computer and mammography to examine a suspicious area of the breast in two views. Once the area is pinpointed, the doctor makes a small incision in the breast, and inserts a core biopsy needle to take a tissue sample for diagnosis.
What to Expect
During the procedure, you will lie face down on a table and place your breast into a round opening in the table. Imaging equipment will compress your breast, just like it is in a mammogram, to keep it immobile. The imaging system, which is connected to the table, uses a special x-ray system to create stereo pictures—from two different angles. The physician can see inside the breast and accurately find the suspicious area. Once the doctor pinpoints the location, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area, and the biopsy begins.
The single incision allows the biopsy needle to sample a variety of breast abnormalities.
The procedure usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and leaves no scar. There may be some bruising on your breast afterwards, but that will disappear.
Results
We send the tissue sample from the stereotactic core biopsy to the pathology department for examination and diagnosis. This review usually takes 5 business days before the results are ready. You can call your healthcare provider for the results.
