Breast Biopsy

Current estimates say that one in eight women will experience breast cancer during their lifetime. Mammography is the best test available for finding small breast cancers. New biopsy methods now offer a safer, more reliable and less invasive alternative.

Stereotactic Guided
Ultrasound Guided
MRI Guided

Stereotactic Guided

Stereotactic breast biopsy is an alternative to open or surgical biopsy. A sample of suspect breast tissue is precisely located with a computer-guided imaging system using x-ray. Two x-ray images of breast tissue are taken at different angles. A computer uses the images to locate the abnormality and calculate precise coordinates. Then the computer guides the radiologist in placing the needle at the exact target. Compared to surgery, stereotactic breast biopsy is also quicker, less painful, and less costly—there are fewer complications, and the procedure requires minimal recovery time. The entire biopsy is obtained through a tiny nick in the skin no more than 5mm in size. There is no need for sutures; the nurse or technologist will simply tape a small dressing to the site. Within days, the skin nick has healed, and there is no longer evidence of a biopsy.

Ultrasound Guided

You may need a breast ultrasound if the radiologist finds a suspicious area on the mammogram or if you or your doctor feels a lump in your breast. Ultrasound is the best way to tell if the finding is a simple cyst (just fluid). If this is the case you may not require further work up. However, if the area proves to be a solid (soft tissue) lesion, biopsy may be required. For your convenience, in conjunction with your physician, you can receive your ultrasound-guided breast biopsy during the same visit as your breast ultrasound.

An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination. Ultrasound guidance is used to find the area, which usually cannot be felt. The radiologist removes samples of breast tissue using a special needle. These tissue samples are sent to the pathologist for review. The patient’s healthcare provider will receive a pathology report several days after the biopsy and will review the results with the patient.

MRI Guided

Breast MRI has become an important tool in diagnosing and staging breast cancer. The radiologists of Hastings Radiology Associates have the most experience performing breast MRI's in the region. Hastings Radiology Associates were the first radiologists between Lincoln and Denver to perform MRI-guided breast biopsies.

Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous. A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis.

If there is an abnormality in your breast that is seen best with MRI, the radiologist may chose to perform the biopsy with MRI guidance. During this exam, the patient is placed on her stomach on the MRI table. The breasts rest comfortably in openings on the table. The radiologist is able to perform the biopsy through an opening on the side.

Patients with pacemakers and other conditions are not safe in an MRI room. Please consult with your physician or the radiologist.