Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy

This procedure is a minimally invasive biopsy procedure performed on a suspicious finding in the breast identified sonographically. This procedure is performed with the patient lying on her back on a bed. The breast is cleansed with antiseptic. Local anesthetic is utilized to numb the breast. Under ultrasound-guidance, a core biopsy needle is introduced into the area of concern in the breast. Multiple core biopsy samples are obtained from the area of concern. The samples are then sent to pathology for analysis.

Following the procedure, a dressing is placed over the biopsy site. The patient is advised to avoid heavy lifting and other forms of strenuous activity for 24 hours following the procedure. Mild discomfort may be experienced following the procedure. This discomfort is usually controlled by taking acetaminophen and applying ice packs to the breast. It is normal to have bruising on the breast following the procedure. Occasionally, a hematoma (ie. blood collection) may form in the breast following the procedure. This complication occurs from rupture of a small blood vessel during the procedure, and may cause a palpable, painful lump. If a hematoma occurs, please inform the radiologist that performed the procedure or your referring physician.

Preparation:
Wear comfortable clothes and a supportive bra. Aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and Plavix should be discontinued for 5 days prior to the procedure. If you are on Coumadin (warfarin), please speak with your referring physician about stopping this medication prior to the procedure. Usually, Coumadin (warfarin) is discontinued for 3 days prior to the procedure. Your INR will have to be checked on the day of the procedure to ensure that it is at an appropriate level (1.5 or lower) to help avoid excessive bleeding. Other medications that you are on can be taken as prescribed.

Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy

This procedure is a minimally invasive biopsy procedure performed on a suspicious finding in the breast identified mammographically. The patient lies face down on a biopsy table with the breast hanging through an opening in the table. The breast is compressed with a paddle and cleansed with antiseptic. Local anesthetic is utilized to numb the breast. X-ray images of the breast are obtained at different angles, and the location of the lesion of concern within the breast is then calculated using a computer. A core biopsy needle is then introduced into the breast. Multiple core biopsy samples with vacuum-assistance are obtained from the area of concern. The samples are then sent to pathology for analysis.

Following the procedure, a dressing is placed over the biopsy site. The patient is advised to avoid heavy lifting and other forms of strenuous activity for 2 days. The patient is also advised to wear a supportive bra 24 hours per day for 2 days following the procedure.

Mild discomfort may be experienced following the procedure. This discomfort is usually controlled by taking acetaminophen and applying ice packs to the breast. It is normal to have bruising on the breast following the procedure. Occasionally, a hematoma (ie. blood collection) may form in the breast following the procedure, and may cause a palpable, painful lump. This complication occurs from rupture of a small blood vessel in the breast during the procedure. If a hematoma occurs, please inform the radiologist that performed the procedure or your referring physician.

Preparation:
Wear comfortable clothes and a supportive bra. Aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and Plavix should be discontinued for 5 days prior to the procedure. If you are on Coumadin (warfarin), please speak with your referring physician about stopping this medication prior to the procedure. Usually, Coumadin (warfarin) is discontinued for 3 days prior to the procedure. Your INR will have to be checked on the day of the procedure to ensure that it is at an appropriate level (1.5 or lower) to help avoid excessive bleeding. Other medications that you are on can be taken as prescribed.

Wire Localization

This procedure is performed to localize an area of concern in the breast prior to surgery. The breast is cleansed with antiseptic. Local anesthetic is utilized to numb the breast. Using mammography or ultrasound for guidance, a thin wire is introduced into the area of concern in the breast. Once the wire is appropriately positioned, a mammogram is obtained to demonstrate the position of the wire within the breast. The localization wire is then taped to the breast and the patient is transferred to surgery. The surgeon uses the wire as a guide to find the area for biopsy. The tissue removed is sent to pathology. Activities may be limited for several days until the area heals.