Breast Biopsy Procedures

Your doctor may recommend a breast biopsy if you have noticed a suspicious area in your breasts, such as a breast lump or other signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Radiologists at the Archbold Women’s Center use breast biopsies to investigate unusual findings on a mammogram, ultrasound, or following other screening and diagnostic breast procedures.

During a breast biopsy procedure, a radiologist will remove a sample of your breast tissue for testing. The tissue sample is sent to a lab, where doctors who specialize in analyzing blood and body tissue (pathologists) examine the tissue and provide a diagnosis.

The results from a breast biopsy can show whether the area in question is breast cancer or if it's not cancerous, and the pathology report will help your doctor determine whether you need additional surgery or other treatment.

What you can expect during a breast biopsy

Your breast biopsy will be performed by one of our on-site, board-certified Archbold Women’s Center radiologists. In most cases, you'll get an injection to numb the area of the breast that will be biopsied. There are different types of breast biopsies that can be performed, so your doctor may recommend a particular procedure based on the size, location, and other characteristics of the suspicious area in your breast.

Stereotactic Core Biopsy

A stereotactic breast biopsy uses mammography to help locate a breast abnormality. Once located, the radiologist will remove a tissue sample from the abnormality which will be sent to the lab for examination. Less invasive than a surgical biopsy, a stereotactic biopsy leaves little to no scarring and can be an excellent way to evaluate calcium deposits or tiny masses that are not visible during an ultrasound.

A stereotactic breast biopsy may be performed when a mammogram shows a breast abnormality such as:

a suspicious mass
tiny clusters of small calcium deposits (microcalcifications)
a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue
an area of abnormal tissue change
a new mass or area of calcium deposits in a previous surgery site

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy

An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses sound waves to help locate a lump or abnormality. Once located, a radiologist will remove a tissue sample from the abnormality and will send it to the lab for further evaluation. Less invasive than surgical biopsy, an ultrasound-guided biopsy leaves little to no scarring and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.

An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy can be performed when a breast ultrasound shows an abnormality such as: