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| Stereotactic Breast Biopsy | ||
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Definition of terms:
If a suspicious area that cannot be felt or is very small is seen on a
mammogram, stereotactic breast biopsy may be used to biopsy the area. This
biopsy procedure is performed using a mammography table or an add-on unit to
the mammography machine, a biopsy needle, and the guidance of a computer. This
test, a new alternative to surgical biopsy, is done without the discomfort,
risk, disfigurement or the expense of surgery. The procedure takes
approximately 45 minutes to perform, and most patients return to their normal
activities within a few hours.
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Your breast will be compressed with a special mammography machine while stereo
x-ray pictures are taken at angles. After the suspicious area has been
identified, the radiologist enters information into a computer that calculates
where the needle should be injected. The area of the breast to be biopsied is
deadened with a local anesthetic. An instrument moves the biopsy needle in
position and, at a rapid rate of speed, removes a sample of the suspicious
tissue. If the suspicious area is a cyst and needs aspiration, the needle will
be placed into the area and confirmed with x-rays before the aspiration begins.
Because stereotactic biopsy uses a needle, damage to nearby tissue is minimal -
unlike surgery, which may cause scarring to the breast. When the biopsy is
completed, a small bandage will be placed over the biopsy site and you may
return to your normal activities. You may shower the same day you have the
biopsy.
The biopsy sample will be sent to the pathology lab for evaluation. The
pathologist will send the referring physician a report stating if the biopsy
was malignant or benign. Consult your physician regarding how and when you can
expect to receive the biopsy results.
Infection is rare with stereotactic biopsy. However, there is a small
possibility a hematoma may develop. If this occurs, inform your physician so
this information can be recorded in your medical records. This area may later
show up on mammography as a change in your breast.
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