Available at Red Bank
What are the different types of biopsies?
There are three major types of biopsies: stereotactic, ultrasound guided, and bard.
1. Stereotactic Biopsy
This procedure uses x-rays to locate the area of concern within your breast and sample the tissue through a hollow needle.
You will be asked to lie face down on a specially designed table that has an opening for your breast. The technologist will position your breast in the compression device located under the table. The stereotactic machine uses x-rays taken at different angles to determine the exact location of the area of concern within your breast.
Your skin will be cleaned with betadine, the same soap used to clean skin in the operating room. The physician injects a local anesthetic (Lidocaine) and a very small incision is made in your breast. The sterile biopsy needle is inserted into the abnormality and the position of the needle is confirmed with x-ray.
Multiple samples of tissue are then removed through the hollow needle with the help of gentle suction (vacuum assisted). The samples are sent to the pathologist for diagnosis. The physician will then apply pressure to the biopsy site to stop any bleeding. A sterile dressing is placed over the incision.
A two-view, upright mammogram may be obtained after the biopsy to document the biopsy site. A tiny clip or marker may be placed into the biopsy cavity through the hollow needle to mark the area of the breast that was biopsied. The marker is MR safe should an MRI be performed at a later date. A stereotactic biopsy may take 30-45 minutes.
2. Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
This procedure uses ultrasound to locate the area of concern within your breast and sample the tissue through a hollow needle.
You will lie on your back on a stretcher in the ultrasound room. The area of concern is located with ultrasound, and your skin is cleaned with betadine, the same soap used to clean skin in the operating room. The physician injects a local anesthetic (Lidocaine) and makes a small incision. The sterile biopsy needle is then inserted into the abnormality under direct ultrasound visualization.
Multiple samples of tissue are then removed through the hollow needle with the help of gentle suction (vacuum assisted). These samples are sent to the pathologist for diagnosis. A tiny clip is placed into the biopsy areas through the hollow needle to mark the area of the breast that was biopsied. The marker is MR safe should an MRI be performed at a later date.
A two-view, upright mammogram is obtained after the biopsy to measure the distance from the biopsy site to the marker. The physician will then apply pressure to the biopsy site to stop any bleeding. An ultrasound guided biopsy may take 30-45 minutes.
3. Bard Biopsy
The purpose of this procedure is to use ultrasound to locate the area of concern within your breast and sample the tissue through a hollow needle.
You will lie on your back on a stretcher in the ultrasound room. The area of concern is located with ultrasound and your skin is cleaned with betadine, the same soap used to clean skin in the operating room.
The physician injects a local anesthetic (Lidocaine) and makes a small incision. The sterile biopsy needle is inserted into the abnormality under direct ultrasound visualization.
This biopsy device makes a “popping” sound when it obtains the tissue sample. While this is not associated with pain, the noise can be startling. The tissue samples are sent to the pathologist for diagnosis. The physician will then apply pressure to the biopsy site to stop any bleeding. A sterile dressing is placed over your incision.
What do I do in the days leading up to my biopsy?
We prefer that you avoid the following medications for 5-7 days before your appointment. Each of these increases your risk of bleeding.
Anti-coagulants (“blood thinners” such as COUMADIN and HEPARIN). ASPIRIN, ADVIL, MOTRIN, IBUPROFEN, BUFFERIN, NAPROSYN, AND ALEVE (those taken mainly for pain or arthritis), or large doses of vitamin E or fish oil.
These medications can affect blood clotting. If these are medications that you take regularly at the direction of a physician, please call us to discuss your special needs. Multi-vitamins are okay.
We would also like to know of any allergies or unresponsiveness to local anesthetic injections, such as Lidocaine, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction or event that required medical attention during any x-ray, medical, or dental procedure.
What do I need to do the day of my Biopsy?
Eat a light breakfast or lunch prior to the biopsy.
Wash your breasts and underarms thoroughly with soap and water. Do not use perfumes, deodorant, or lotion.
Wear loose-fitting, two-piece clothes to simplify undressing and dressing. Please wear a bra.
Be prepared to spend about two (2) hours at the ProScan Pink Ribbon Center.
What do I do after my biopsy?
You may resume your normal daily activities; however, we ask that you avoid any heavy lifting with the arm on the side of your biopsy.
You will be able to drive yourself home or to work after the biopsy.
After care, instructions will be discussed with you before you leave our center. You will be given written instructions to take home with you.
We will give you a small ice pack to slip into your bra over the biopsy site. We ask you to use ice during the day of your biopsy as much as possible to reduce soreness, bleeding, and bruising. You may stop using an ice pack once you go to bed that night.
The dressing is waterproof so you will be able to bathe and swim after the biopsy. You will remove the outer layer of the dressing 24-36 hours after the biopsy. Steristrips—small pieces of sterile tape that are used in place of stitches to minimize scarring—will remain in place for three (3) to seven (7) days.
What should I watch for?
Infection following a breast biopsy is very uncommon but can occur despite our best sterilization techniques.
If you notice a slight redness and swelling at the site of the incision, put some antibacterial ointment on the skin and watch it closely. If it is not resolved in 8-12 hours, please call your ProScan Pink Ribbon Center.
If you notice that your breast is red and swollen or that you have a fever or chills, please contact your primary care physician.
How long does it take to get the results?
Results of the microscopic examination of the biopsy tissue samples will be called to your doctor within three (3) business days from the time of the biopsy. Your doctor will discuss the biopsy results with you. Please call your doctor on the fourth business day after the biopsy if you have not received the results by then.
