• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

    Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

General Information:
Stereotactic breast biopsy is done using mammography guidance.  It is minimally invasive, and performed as an outpatient.  The procedure is performed using local anesthetic with minimal discomfort and recovery time. Patients are awake throughout the procedure.


Pre-Procedure Information:
•    Do not take aspirin or aspirin products 7 days before the biopsy.
•    Do not take blood thinning products 7 days before the biopsy.
(for example: Coumadin, Plavix, Heparin)
•    Do not take anti-inflammatory products 7 days before the biopsy.
(for example: Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen)
•    Do not take Vitamin E products 7 days before the biopsy.  A Multi-Vitamin is ok.
•    Wear a two piece garment.


On the day of your biopsy:
•    Please plan to be here for 90 minutes.
•    You may eat and drink the day of the procedure.  
•    We will do a gentle mammogram after your procedure.


During your procedure:
•    You will lie on your stomach on a special table with an opening which your breast is placed through.  The table will rise so the radiologist and technologist can work from below.  
•    The technologist will locate the area and place your breast into compression.  
•    It is very important that you try not to move during the procedure.  
•    The technologist will take an image to confirm the area is positioned correctly.  
•    Your skin will be cleaned and the radiologist will then inject local anesthetic.  You may feel a sting and minimal burning.  
•    A small nick is made in your skin, and a core needle is inserted through the nick.  
•    You may feel pressure, but you shouldn’t feel anything sharp.  
•    Once the procedure is complete your entire breast will be put in compression for about 10 minutes.  
•    After compression, we will bring you to a mammogram room and perform a gentle compression mammogram to confirm the biopsy clip location.  
•    We will then bandage the area and go over your instructions.

Post Biopsy Instructions

 

1. To reduce any swelling or bruising at the biopsy site, place an ice pack on top of the dressing.  Place the ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes at a time and then remove it.  Do this 4 or 5 times this evening until you are ready to go to bed.  You may discontinue ice once you go to bed. Many patients find that a package of frozen peas or corn works as an ice pack because it conforms nicely to the shape of the breast.

2. Do not shower or bathe for the first twenty-four hours.  You may sponge bathe but keep the dressing dry.

3. After twenty-four hours you may remove the outer dressing.  Leave the steri-strips (band-aid like dressing) in place for 3 to 4 days and then you may remove them.  You can shower with the steri-strips on the skin.

4. Do not participate in strenuous activities for 48 hours following the biopsy.  Strenuous activity may cause bleeding at the biopsy site. If you should have bleeding at the site, 20 minutes pressure needs to be applied preferably by another person to stop the bleeding. Bruising at the biopsy site is normal.

5. Watch for excessive bleeding, redness, skin changes, swelling or pain.  Bleeding under the skin could present as a hard area (lump) that could take up to 6 weeks to resolve.  If this area or hardness does not resolve after 6 weeks, contact your Primary Care Physician. 

6. If you need medication for discomfort, we suggest Tylenol (if you are medically able to take it).  Please do not take aspirin or aspirin related products such as Aleve, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc., until 24 hours after the biopsy.

7. The results of the biopsy will be called to your doctor, usually 3 to 5 working days from the time of your biopsy

8. If you have any questions, please contact UCD Mammography at 734-0686 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.