Description of the Procedure
The doctor will choose from several types of biopsies to get a tissue sample:
Fine Needle Aspiration
The skin over the area will be cleaned. A small needle will be inserted into the breast tissue. Fluid and/or tissue will be removed. The needle may be removed and re-inserted more than one time. After this is done, the doctor will apply pressure to the area and cover the spot with a bandage.
Ultrasound-directed Needle Biopsy
An ultrasound device is used to locate the area where the biopsy needs to be taken. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the breast tissue on a monitor. After the location is found, a small needle will be inserted in the breast tissue. Samples of fluid and/or tissue will be removed. A bandage will be applied after the needle is removed.
Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy
The doctor may have you lie down on your stomach or sit depending on the equipment being used. Mammogram
or ultrasound images will be taken to locate the suspicious area. The doctor will make a tiny cut in your breast and insert a special probe. Using the probe, the doctor will remove several core samples of breast tissue from the area. After this is done, the area will be covered with a bandage.
MRI-guided Breast Biopsy
In some instances, the suspicious area can only be seen using
an MRI. Because of this, an MRI-guided breast biopsy may be needed. This procedure takes more time. Tell your doctor if you have a
cardiac pacemaker. It may affect the procedure.
Vacuum-assisted Device Biopsy
The doctor will insert a needle and use pressure from a vacuum to pull tissue from the mass through the needle. The tissue is then placed into a sampling chamber. This method lets the doctor collect multiple tissue samples during one needle insertion.
How Long Will It Take?
It will take less than one hour. After the procedure, the tissue collected will be sent to a pathologist who will look at it under a microscope. It may take about 2-5 days to receive the test results.