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The stereotactic biopsy identifies breast abnormalities. This procedure  is very useful when suspicious changes can’t be seen  by a mammogram or an ultrasound. It is a minimally invasive way to obtain a sample of breast tissue for further diagnosis, and it is also faster and less painful than traditional surgerical biopsy. Stereotactic technology uses a computer to enable radiologists to locate and obtain a sample of the precise center of the questionable area. It uses “stereo” x-rays (x-rays taken from multiple angles) and a special biopsy needle.

Unlike more invasive surgical procedures, the results can be ready within one week (your healthcare provider can tell you when to expect yours) . There is no prolonged recovery time, and only local anesthesia is necessary for the procedure. There is no special preparation required prior to having a stereotactic breast biopsy. It is recommended that a comfortable two-piece outfit be worn, because you will be undressing from the waist up. Before you arrive, the radiologist will have studied your imaging exams to become familiar with the location of the abnormality.

You will be lying down on your stomach on a specially designed examination table. Your breast will be placed through an opening in the table. The tabletop is then raised and the radiologist and technologist perform the procedure from beneath you. For this procedure, your breast will be compressed like it is during a mammogram. Several x-ray films will be taken in order to locate the area in question. Once this is done, the radiologist will review the images and use a computer to locate the exact area to be sampled. The skin of the breast is then cleaned and a small amount of local anesthetic is injected into the skin and deeper tissues of the breast with a small needle. This anesthetic (lidocaine) is similar to what one might have at a dentist’s office. You will feel a tiny pinch similar to a pin prick.

 

• An occasional patient has significant discomfort, which can be readily controlled by non-prescription pain medication.
• Infection can occur whenever the skin is penetrated, but the chance of infection requiring antibiotic therapy is minimal.
• When large pieces of tissue are removed there is a risk of bleeding.

• Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit.
• Eat a light meal prior to the procedure.
• Do not wear deodorant, lotion, powder or perfume under your arms or on your breasts the day of the procedure.
• It is recommended that you avoid taking aspirin for one week before your biopsy, or aspirin-like medications (ibuprofen, Motrin®, Advil®, etc.) for three days before your biopsy.
• Make sure you bring or wear a tight fitting bra. After the procedure, we will give you an ice pack to be placed in your bra to help minimize swelling and tenderness.

• Leave the band-aid on until the next morning. At that time, remove the band-aid, leaving the steri-strip (tape over the puncture site) in place.
• Do not bathe or shower for 24 hours after the breast biopsy. Please do not go swimming of into the hot tub for three days after the biopsy.
• After 24 hours you may bathe/shower with the steri-strip (tape) in place. The steri-strip will eventually come off in the shower. The edges of the steri-strip can be trimmed if they start to come off. Please leave the steri-strip in place until it comes off on its own. Once the steri-strip comes off, it does not need to be replaced.
• Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products for three days after the procedure. You may take Tylenol (one-two tablets every four or six hours) for mild discomfort.
• Avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects for 24 hours.