What is a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?
A Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is the most accurate, efficient and minimally-invasive biopsy technique. This out-patient procedure allows patients to immediately resume normal activities, requires only a small incision while minimizing discomfort. It also gives physicians the ability to place a Tissue Marker in the breast for future follow-up.

How is the procedure performed?
Your procedure should take less than an hour. Your physician will use a local anesthetic to minimize any pain.

Your physician will then insert a probe similar to the one seen at the right.
Using stereotactic or ultrasound guidance, the probe is positioned in the breast to align the center of aperture with the center of the lesion.
The tissue is gently vacuum-aspirated into the aperture, and the rotating cutter is advanced forward, capturing a specimen.
After the cutter has reached its full forward position, rotation ceases. The cutter is withdrawn, and the vacuum system transports the specimen to the tissue collection chamber.
After the biopsy is complete, the MicroMark™ II Tissue Marker can be permanently placed to locate the site in the event of further surgical or mammographic follow-up.

How to prepare for the procedure
• Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit
• You may eat a light breakfast
• Discontinue use of aspirin or blood thinners for at least one week prior to the exam
• Do not use any powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume on the day of the procedure
• Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam to allow time to change your clothes and register

What you can expect after the exam
After the exam, there will be some bleeding where the needle was placed. The incision will not require stitches-- it will be bandaged and a cold pack will be applied to relieve the swelling and bruising. You may take a non-aspirin pain reliever, like Tylenol, to help alleviate any discomfort. You may notice some bruising of the area which should resolve within 5-7 days. Although you may resume normal activities after the exam, you should take it easy for about 24 hours after the biopsy is performed.

Risks
You will most likely only experience some small bruising and discomfort at the biopsy site. However, although the Mammotome procedure is designed to minimize scarring, as with any open surgical procedure, there is a possibility of leaving a small scar. As with any open surgical procedure, there is also a possibility of infection. So if you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness or heat, please contact your physician immediately.

The results
Final test results are usually available within 2-3 days. Your physician should contact you to discuss the findings.

This information is provided to you as a public service, and is in no way meant to replace or supersede the information or advice provided from a qualified health care professional.

Frequently Asked Questions