Breast Care
Breast Biopsy
Breast Biopsy
A needle biopsy is performed when a radiologist identifies an area of concern through diagnostic imaging. This safe and minimally invasive procedure allows further study of breast tissue in order to confirm whether cancer is present or not.
Our radiologists and technologists have been trained to make needle biopsy of the breast as comfortable and quick as possible for patients. During the procedure, small amounts of breast tissue from the area of concern are removed through a needle. The tissue is then sent to a lab where a pathologist studies the sample under a microscope and makes a diagnosis.
Our radiologists use different methods to perform needle biopsies: (1) ultrasound-guided biopsy (2) stereotactic breast biopsy using X-ray images (mammograms) to guide the biopsy needle, and (3) MR-guided biopsy using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
After Your Biopsy
Needle Biopsy
Core Needle Biopsy
Core Biopsy
Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy
Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy
This type of core needle biopsy is done with ultrasound guidance — an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within your breast. During this procedure, you lie on your back or side on an ultrasound table.
Holding the ultrasound device (transducer) against your breast, the radiologist locates the area of concern within your breast and provides local anesthesia. The radiologist then either uses a needle attached to a syringe to collect a small sample (fine-needle aspiration/biopsy) or makes a small incision to insert the needle and takes several core samples of tissue to be sent to a lab for analysis. Sampling takes several minutes.
A small titanium marker or clip may be placed in your breast at the biopsy site so it can be easily located for future follow-up if surgery becomes necessary.
Stereotactic core needle biopsy
Stereotactic core needle biopsy
This type of biopsy uses mammogram images to pinpoint the suspicious area within the breast. For this procedure, you generally lie face down on a padded biopsy table with one of your breasts positioned in a hole in the table, or you may have the procedure in a seated position. You may need to remain in this position for up to 30 minutes.
Your breast is compressed between two plates while mammograms are taken to show the radiologist the exact location of the area for biopsy.
After providing local anesthesia, the radiologist then makes a tiny incision (< 5mm) in your breast. A needle is then inserted to collect several samples of tissue. Sampling takes only one to 2 minutes. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.
A small titanium marker or clip may be placed in your breast at the biopsy site so it can be easily located for future follow-up if surgery becomes necessary.
MRI-guided core needle biopsy
MRI-guided core needle biopsy
This type of biopsy is done with MRI guidance — an imaging technique that captures multiple cross-sectional images of your breast. During this procedure, you lie face down on a padded scanning table. Your breasts fit into a hollow depression in the table. Your breast will be mildly compressed. This test does require intravenous contrast administration (contrast material given through your vein).
The MRI machine provides images that help determine the exact location for the biopsy. Following the administration of local anesthesia, a tiny incision (<5 mm) is made to allow the core needle to be inserted. Several samples of tissue are taken and sent to a lab for analysis. Sampling takes a few minutes. The overall exam table time ranges from 25-45 minutes.
A small titanium marker or clip may be placed in your breast at the biopsy site so it can be easily located for future follow-up if surgery becomes necessary.
After Your Biopsy
Having a bra on after your biopsy is helpful as you are able to place a cold pack against the biopsy site and support the breast that was biopsied. We will send you home with bandages and an ice pack over the biopsy site. You will be able to resume normal activities within a day. Bruising is quite common after core needle biopsies. In order to ease your pain and discomfort after a breast biopsy, you may take a non-aspirin pain reliever containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) and apply a cold pack as needed to reduce swelling.
Please do not hesitate to contact your primary care doctor after your biopsy if:
- You develop a fever
- The biopsy site becomes red and warm
- You have unusual drainage from the biopsy site
Any of the above symptoms can be signs of an infection that may require prompt treatment. Please contact your primary care doctor or your OBGYN doctor immediately if there is any sign of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
A needle biopsy of the breast is performed on a patient when the radiologist identifies an area of concern through mammography, breast MRI, or breast ultrasound. The procedure allows the retrieval of a sample of the breast tissue in order to confirm the presence or absence of breast disease.
We understand that a biopsy can be an emotional and stressful experience for patients. More than 80% of all breast concerns are found to be benign or non-cancerous, so this testing often provides patients with peace of mind. At Windsong, our subspecialized radiologists and staff are trained to make this procedure as comfortable and quick as possible and to answer any questions.
Before your needle biopsy: We ask that you discontinue any Aspirin, Warfarin, Advil, or any other blood thinners for 3-5 days prior to your procedure. Please speak with your doctor prior to discontinuing any prescribed medications. Wear a 2-piece outfit with a comfortable/supportive bra the day of the appointment.
We ask that you allow 90 minutes for the appointment. After you check-in, a technologist will show you to a private dressing room where you’ll change into a gown and remove all jewelry. For the procedure, the radiologist will be there to explain what to expect and answer any questions. A needle biopsy is performed with a local anesthetic to numb the breast in order to minimize any discomfort.
No stitches are required, and most women can resume normal daily activity following the appointment. There will be minor physical limitations for 2 days post-biopsy. An ice pack will be provided and will be applied intermittently for 4-6 hours post-biopsy.
Each variation of needle biopsy is performed a bit differently:
ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BIOPSY: This procedure is used when the area of concern is visible on ultrasound. You will lie on your back or turn slightly to the side. The radiologist will use the ultrasound probe to locate the area of concern and inject local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. The radiologist will then insert the biopsy needle through a small nick in the skin and retrieve samples of tissue for evaluation. A small marking clip will be left at the site of biopsy so it can be easily located for future follow-up if surgery becomes necessary.
STEREOTACTIC BREAST BIOPSY: Depending on the office where you are scheduled, you will either lie face down on a specialized table or sit upright in a chair. Your breast will be positioned with compression applied, similar to a mammogram. The radiologist will inject a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort before inserting the biopsy needle through a small nick in the skin to retrieve samples of tissue for evaluation. A small marking clip will be left at the site of the biopsy so it can be easily located for future follow-up if surgery becomes necessary.
MR-GUIDED BIOPSY: During an MR-guided biopsy, a local anesthetic is injected into the breast to numb it, and contrast material is given intravenously. You will lie face down, and your breast(s) will be positioned into a cushioned opening containing a special breast-imaging coil. Using computer software, the radiologist determines the position and depth of the target for biopsy and then inserts the needle through a small nick in the skin to retrieve samples of tissue for evaluation. A small marking clip will be left at the site of the biopsy so it can be easily located for future follow-up if surgery becomes necessary.
It’s best to avoid eating a large meal immediately prior to the exam. Do not take aspirin or Ibuprofen for 5-7 days prior to biopsy, and please inform our staff if you are taking any blood thinners. Be sure to wear a two-piece outfit, as well as a supportive bra to help maintain the post-biopsy dressing.
If you suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia, you may request a mild sedative from your physician to bring with you on the day of your appointment.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Call 716-631-2500 if any of the following factors apply to you so that we may make arrangements:
- Cardiac Pacemaker
- Artificial heart valve prostheses
- Aneurysm clips
- Eye implants or metal ear implants or any metal implants activated electronically, magnetically or mechanically
- Copper 7 IUD
- Shrapnel or non-removed bullet
- Pregnancy
- Weight over 350 lbs
- Claustrophobia
- Any metal puncture(s) or fragment(s) in eye
Biopsy samples are sent to a lab where they will be analyzed by a pathologist for diagnosis. Your physician and Windsong will receive pathology reports, and you will be notified of the results within 3 to 5 business days on average (some exceptions may apply).
Visit our locations page for more information. Imaging modalities and associated studies vary by location. Please contact us to schedule your visit at a convenient location near you.
Request an appointment online or contact us at 716-631-2500.
This procedure requires a physician referral. Please check with your insurance plan to confirm that the procedure is covered. You may be responsible for all or a portion of the bill. Payment may be required at the time of service. Please call 716-631-2500 if you have questions about pricing, insurance coverage, and/or billing before your scheduled appointment.
