Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is done to remove abnormal breast tissue in order to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. A breast biopsy is performed in order to determine a correct diagnosis that is otherwise unreliable via mammogram. Ultrasound-guided biopsy is performed when the area that is suspicious is too small to be felt by hand during an examination. It is also used when the suspicious area needs to be biopsied but it is very difficult to find the abnormal tissue. In an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, a radiologist will use ultrasound imaging to guide the biopsy needle to the site that has caused concern.

Women are typically awake during a breast biopsy, and they lie on their backs very still throughout the entire procedure. A numbing medicine will be injected into the breast in order to prevent pain during the procedure. A very small cut will be made in the breast over the area to be biopsied, and the radiologist will use an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the abnormal area in the breast that needs to be biopsied. The needle that is used is a fine, hollow needle that will extract the abnormal cells. These cells will then be examined under a microscope in order to make a proper diagnosis.

After the ultrasound-guided breast biopsy has been completed, the breast will be sore and tender to the touch for up to several days. A bandage will have been placed over the biopsied area to absorb any fluid that may leak. Ice and pressure can be applied to the site in order to ease bruising and tenderness.

If you are in need of an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, talk to your doctor about having your procedure done at an outpatient diagnostic facility. Most facilities offer a more comfortable experience than a hospital, and they work with insurance companies to file claims. 

Posted on behalf of Diagnostic Radiology