Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is a test that uses a special computer to guide a needle to an abnormality seen on mammography. It employs a precise technique that uses digital imaging and is less invasive than a surgical biopsy.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is done when:

• A mammogram shows a suspicious solid mass that cannot be felt on breast examinations
• A mammogram shows a suspicious cluster of small calcium deposits
• The structure of the breast tissue is distorted

Discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor prior to scheduling your mammogram. In addition, inform your doctor of any previous biopsies, surgeries, hormonal use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
If your breasts are usually tender during your period, do not schedule your mammogram the week before your period. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. In addition please remember:
Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. The residue left on your skin by these substances may interfere with the X-rays. If you are still having menstrual periods, you may want to have your mammogram done within two weeks after your menstrual period ends. The procedure will be more comfortable, especially if your breasts become tender during this time.

To reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure, we recommend that patients not take any aspirin product for 3 days prior to the procedure and not take any ibuprofen product (such as Advil or Motrin) for 24 hours prior to the procedure. If you are on prescription blood thinning medication such as coumadin, please consult your physician prior to scheduling this exam.

The first part of the procedure will seem much like your mammogram except that you will be lying down. Your breast will be compressed, usually somewhat less tightly than during a regular mammogram. An x-ray will be taken to confirm that the proper area of the breast is centered in the window in the compression paddle. When the position is ideal, two more x-rays will be obtained. With the help of a computer, the exact positioning of the biopsy needle is determined from these images. Using this information, the radiologist will then position the device holding the biopsy needle.

Your breast will then be cleaned with antiseptic. Next, the radiologist will numb the part of the breast to be biopsied by injecting local anesthetic. This is done with a tiny needle, and you may feel a stinging at this point. After the local anesthetic has taken effect, the radiologist will make a tiny incision (usually less than of an inch) through which the biopsy needle will be placed. Another pair of images will be taken to confirm the needle position. Once placement is confirmed, the tissue samples (cores) are acquired. Often the tissue samples are x-rayed to ensure they contain a representative sample of the area in question.

Most women report little or no pain and no scar is left from the tiny skin incision. Many women find that the major discomfort of the procedure is from lying on their stomach for the length of the procedure. A stereotactic biopsy can take 30 to 60 minutes or more.