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Needle Biopsy of the Breast
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
You will lie on your back or turn slightly to
the side. The ultrasound probe is used to locate the lesion. Local
anesthetic is injected to ensure your comfort. The radiologist will
create a nick in the skin through which the biopsy needle will be
inserted. Several samples of tissue will be obtained for evaluation.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
This minimally invasive procedure requires you
to be seated in a chair that is used specifically for breast biopsies.
Please allow approximately two hours for this examination at our
Puyallup Imaging Center. Wear a two-piece outfit with a loose fitting
top. You may be more comfortable with a loose bra or sports bra after
the procedure.
Discontinue aspirin
three days before the procedure. If you are taking a blood thinner, it
must be discontinued prior to the procedure. Consult with your
physician to determine the proper period of time to be off the
medication.
You may be requested to have a blood test done the day before your examination to check for any abnormal bleeding tendencies. Please take all regular medications as scheduled the day of the biopsy (except blood thinners and aspirin).
You should be able to drive yourself home after the procedure, but if
you wish, a family member may accompany you to and from the office.
Also,
please make arrangements to keep your children at home on the day of
your appointment. There are no childcare services on-site, and due to
the presence of radiation, children are not allowed to enter exam rooms
during imaging procedures.
What should I expect?
After checking in with the receptionist and
being escorted to a dressing booth, you will meet in a private
mammography room with a Technologist for questions and discussion. The
procedure is conducted in a Mammographic Suite in a similar fashion to
a standard mammogram.
The biggest
difference is that compression is applied throughout the procedure.
During the procedure you will be made as comfortable as possible. After
the Radiologist has reviewed your prior studies, he/she will determine
the optimal location to place the needle. Two or three "localizing"
images will be obtained.
A local
anesthetic will be given to numb the skin and underlying tissue. A very
small slit will be made in the skin to allow easy needle passage.
Following
this, using the stereotactic localizing system, the Radiologist will
place the needle, reposition it as necessary, and two additional images
will be obtained to confirm needle position in the lesion. The biopsy
will then be obtained.
Most patients
feel only a "pop" or tugging sensation when the specimen is obtained.
This procedure will be repeated multiple times to assure that adequate
tissue specimens have been collected.
When
the Radiologist has determined that an adequate specimen has been
obtained, compression will be released. Direct pressure is then applied
to the biopsy site. This reduces bruising.
A
bandage will be placed on the biopsy site, which should be left on
until the following morning. Under the bandage, a small piece of tape
called a steri-strip will be placed over the slit in your skin. This
should remain in place until it falls off your skin by itself.
You
will be asked to wear a cold-pack over the biopsy site inside your bra
for at least 40 minutes. This reduces discomfort and bruising. You may
take Motrin, Ibuprofen or Tylenol as needed. Some bruising is to be
expected.
A follow-up appointment with the Radiologist will be scheduled.
Results
of the biopsy are usually available three working days after the biopsy
is performed. Please contact your referring physician for results at
that time.
Which location provides the service?
Puyallup Imaging Center
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