Ultrasound Guided Breast Procedures
The breast imaging department at the medical care center in Lexington performs ultrasound guided breast procedures. The two types of ultrasound guided breast procedures that are performed at the medical care center in Lexington are:
What is an Ultrasound-Guided Cyst Aspiration?
An ultrasound guided cyst aspiration is a procedure by which the radiologist removes fluid from inside a breast lump. This procedure is guided by ultrasound. The ultrasound produces images of your breast that guide the radiologist in locating the exact area of the cyst.
What is an Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy?
An ultrasound guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure by which the radiologist removes tissue samples from inside the breast abnormality. This procedure is guided by ultrasound. The ultrasound produces images of your breast that guide the radiologist in locating the exact area of the breast abnormality.
Exam Preparation
Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs for five days before the procedure, unless told otherwise by your doctor. You may also need to stop taking blood-thinning medications. Examples include clopidogrel,(Plavix), warfarin, (Coumadin), or ticlopidine, (Ticlid). Talk to your doctor.
Description of the Procedure
The doctor will position you for easiest access to the area that is to be biopsied. The skin will be swabbed with a cleaning solution and may be draped with surgical towels. A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area. You will be asked to stay still during the procedure. A thin, hollow needle will then be inserted through the skin to the biopsy site. The needle may be inserted more than once for positioning or to obtain multiple samples. Once the needle is in the proper position, tissue or fluid will be withdrawn for examination. You may feel a pinch, pressure, or nothing at all. When the needle is removed for the last time, pressure is applied to the area briefly. The puncture spot is covered with a small bandage.
How long will it take?
Approximately 1 hour.
Exam Results
Biopsy tissue sample processing takes approximately one week. Your doctor will be contacted with the results.
