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Breast Biopsy
BREAST BIOPSY HOUSTON
A biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of a breast lump or an abnormality discovered on a mammogram or an ultrasound. There are two different types of biopsies. First is a surgical biopsy. A Breast surgeon in an operating room performs this. The second type is a minimally invasive outpatient biopsy done under ultrasound guidance. The latter may be carried out using a thin needle called a fine needle aspiration, this is used to sample tissue from an abnormal lymph node in the armpit. In the breast, we mostly use the core biopsy needle to get satisfactory samples that allows a definitive diagnosis.
ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BREAST BIOPSY
At the Pink Door Imaging, we offer a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided breast biopsy procedure. We collect tissue samples percutaneously under ultrasound guidance. Percutaneous biopsy means using a needle that passes through the skin. After the numbing of the skin and tissue around the mass with a local anesthetic injection. Mammography and ultrasound detect many non-cancerous abnormalities in the breast. As a result, breast biopsy is the only way to determine if the growth is cancerous. This particular biopsy uses soundwaves to accurately locate the solid lesion or abnormality. Next, is the collection of tissue samples using a needle. Then further analysis of the tissue by a pathologist under a microscope.
PROCEDURE
This effective procedure is minimally invasive. It’s also less traumatic and a less expensive alternative to a surgical biopsy. Ultrasound-guided biopsies generally takes 10-20 minutes to perform. Both the puncture site on the skin and the tissue around the tumor get anesthetized before the procedure. Sampling happens under real-time ultrasound guidance to optimize tissue sampling. A clip is deployed once satisfactory samples are collected. The use of a dual view mammogram helps document clip placement within the abnormality undergoing biopsy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The day of your biopsy, we recommend the following steps to help with preparation:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the ultrasound exam
- Remove jewelry and clothing that may interfere with the biopsy procedure
- Refrain from taking aspirin or blood thinners three to five days before the exam. This helps to lower the risks of bleeding.
Before the biopsy appointment, our staff will provide detailed instructions on this. Your breast imaging specialist will additionally describe the procedure beforehand.
BENEFITS OF A BREAST BIOPSY
There’s various benefits with Ultrasound-guided biopsy. Benefits such as:
- minimal complications
- quick performance
- less expensive costs compared to other
- biopsy methods
- no ionizing radiation exposure
- little to no scarring
Additionally, there are fast recovery times. Resulting in patients resuming their usual activities with minimal downtime. Ultrasound-guided biopsies occur more often. Due to them being a safer alternative to surgical biopsies.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE BREAST BIOPSY?
The results generally take 3 business days. The Breast Imaging specialist will review the pathology report. While also making sure that the results match with the abnormality that was biopsied. Patients and their doctors will receive notification of the results. Along with a recommendation for a follow-up or further consultation with a breast surgeon. Finally, we send the report and its recommendations to the referring doctor.