Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Stereotactic breast biopsy is a minimally invasive technique where a sample of suspicious breast tissue is precisely located with a computer-guided imaging system and removed with a needle. At Lake Forest Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Centers, we use this type of breast biopsy to confirm whether a breast abnormality is cancerous or not.

What happens during a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?

Breast biopsies are usually done on an outpatient basis.

You will lie face down on a moveable exam table and the affected breast or breasts will be positioned into openings in the table. The table is then raised and the procedure is then performed beneath it.  The breast is compressed and held in position throughout the procedure.

A local anesthetic will be injected into the breast to numb it. Several stereotactic pairs of X-ray images are taken. A very small nick is made in the skin at the site where the biopsy needle is to be inserted.

The radiologist then inserts the needle and advances it to the location of the abnormality using the X-ray and computer generated coordinates. X-ray images are again obtained to confirm that the needle tip is actually within the lesion.

Tissue samples are then removed using one of two methods. 

• In a core needle biopsy, the automated mechanism is activated, moving the needle forward and filling the needle trough, or shallow receptacle, with ‘cores’ of breast tissue. The outer sheath instantly moves forward to cut the tissue and keep it in the trough. This process is repeated three to six times.
  
  
• With a vacuum-assisted device (VAD), vacuum pressure is used to pull tissue from the breast through the needle into the sampling chamber. Without withdrawing and reinserting the needle, it rotates positions and collects additional samples. Typically, eight to 10 samples of tissue are collected from around the lesion.

After the sampling, the needle will be removed. A final set of images will be taken. A small marker may be placed at the site so that it can be located in the future if necessary.

Once the biopsy is complete, pressure will be applied to stop any bleeding and the opening in the skin is covered with a dressing. No sutures are needed. A mammogram may be performed to confirm that the marker is in the proper position.

This procedure is usually completed within an hour.

How do I prepare for a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?

On the day of your procedure, do not wear any deodorant, talcum powder or lotion in the breast or underarm area.  Please bring any prior mammography films you may have and give them to the technologists before your study begins.

Tell the technologist if you have implants or any pain, lumps or nipple discharge.  As with all radiological procedures, you should inform the technologist if you may be pregnant or if you are nursing.

For more information, please contact your physician or our main Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) office at (847) 535-6300.