Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy System
A breast lump doesn't necessarily indicate cancer. Still, women who perform a breast self-exam (BSE) and their doctors must determine the cause of a lump. If you have found a suspicious lump in your breast, see your doctor right away. Your doctor may want to perform a biopsy to determine whether the lump is cancerous.
Until now, women had to undergo surgical biopsies under general anesthesia. Forrest General offers women an alternative-the Lorad Stereoguide™ stereotactic breast biopsy system. This system uses needle sampling techniques and digital technology to offer women and their doctors a safe, accurate and reliable means of biopsy.
Compared to conventional surgical biopsies, the stereotactic system produces less scarring of the breast, which could interfere with future mammograms. Other benefits include lower costs, less discomfort and no anesthesia.
According to doctors, approximately 80 percent of all lumps found in the breast-either by a woman or her doctor-are found to be benign (non-cancerous). The stereotactic method is a proven method for ruling out cancer quickly and in a convenient outpatient setting.
If you have found a suspicious lump in your breast, see your doctor immediately. To find out more about the Stereotactic procedure, see the information below.
How it Works
The system accurately locates the suspicious lesion through a sophisticated imaging system that allows the physician to precisely locate the lump. A tiny tissue sample is obtained through the instantaneous injection of a biopsy needle. A computer automatically determines the three-dimensional coordinates needed to position the needle for retrieving a sample of tissue or cells.
The system can localize lesions within a 1 millimeter margin of error.
Prior to the Exam
Unlike conventional surgery, there is no need to avoid food prior to biopsy. You may eat a light breakfast, but your doctor will recommend you avoid coffee, unless it is decaffeinated. Discontinue use of aspirin or blood thinners three days before your scheduled stereotactic biopsy. Also, check with your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
A comfortable two-piece garment should be worn to the Woodall Outpatient Facility to allow partial disrobing for the procedure. Avoid using deodorant or talcum powder on the day of your biopsy.
During the Exam
During the exam you will lie face down on a specially-designed table with your breast suspended through an opening in the table top. The table will be raised and your physician and the technologist will perform the procedure from beneath.
Your breast will be slightly compressed and held in position throughout the procedure. Several x-rays will be taken, during which you will be asked to lie very still for a short time. A local anesthetic is applied to assure minimal discomfort. As the needle is inserted to obtain the tissue sample, you may hear a "click" from the specially-designed biopsy instrument.
Between five and 10 samples will be removed and sent to the pathology laboratory for diagnosis. You will be informed at all times during the exam about what is occurring. The procedure lasts approximately one hour.
After the Exam
After the exam, the biopsy site will be bandaged and a cold pack applied to relieve swelling and bruising and stop any bleeding. If you experience any discomfort after the procedure, you may take a non-aspirin pain reliever every four to six hours.
Any bruising around the biopsy site should disappear within five to seven days. If you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness or heat, you should notify your doctor. The final results of the test are usually available within two days; contact your referring physician to discuss the findings.
See your physician for more information about this procedure.
