Breast Biopsy

Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous.

A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells—either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle—from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. During a breast biopsy, part or all of a tumor may be removed.

Image-guided biopsy is performed when the abnormal area in the breast is too small to be felt, making it difficult to locate the lesion by hand (called palpation).

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy or Aspiration

In ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, ultrasound imaging is used to help guide the interventional radiologist's instruments to the site of the abnormal growth. There are times when your doctor may decide that ultrasound guidance for biopsy is appropriate even for a mass that can be felt.

Stereotactic Biopsy

In stereotactic breast biopsy, a special mammography machine uses ionizing radiation to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth. Stereotactic breast biopsy is also performed when the patient or physician strongly prefers a non-surgical method of assessing a breast abnormality.

MRI Breast Biopsy

MRI Breast Biopsy is used to biopsy an abnormal area seen on a Breast MRI in which the abnormal area is either not identified or not seen as clearly on a mammogram or ultrasound. In MRI-guided breast biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging is used to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.