Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a non-radiation, minimally invasive technique used to gather tissue samples from a breast abnormality discovered during a diagnostic mammogram and/or breast ultrasound. Sometimes these abnormalities turn out not to be a problem. If there is a potential problem, early detection is essential.
A breast ultrasound relies on sonar technology (sound waves). An ultrasound technologist, called a sonographer, obtains images by gently pressing and rolling a hand-held transducer over areas of the breast or underarms.
This procedure takes place in an ultrasound suite and requires you to lie on a table on your back while a sonographer obtains the images. Once the abnormality is located, a radiologist will clean the area and inject a local anesthetic into the skin and deeper tissues to numb the area. A very small skin incision will be made.
The radiologist will then use imaging techniques to locate the exact location of the abnormality and extract several tissue samples to be sent to and interpreted by a pathologist. After the tissue is removed a small metallic marker will be placed. This marker is a reference point for future workups if needed, and confirms that the area of concern has been biopsied. Following your exam, you will be given a mammogram to document the position of the marker.
Most patients experience some minor discomfort during this procedure. Some experience no discomfort at all.
The obtained specimens will be sent to a pathology laboratory. Once the results are provided by the lab, which may take a few days, a final results report is sent to your referring provider, who will then explain the results and answer any follow up questions.
The Carol Milgard Breast Center is fully accredited in Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR only grants the gold seal of accreditation when a breast center provides patients the highest level of image quality and patient safety.
Cyst Aspiration
A cyst aspiration is when fluid is drained from a breast cyst. The vast majority of cysts are benign, though some are quite tender. Aspirating the fluid from a cyst may alleviate symptoms or discomfort.
The breast cyst is located with an ultrasound. You will be asked to lie still on your back during this procedure. Once the abnormality is located, a radiologist will clean the area and inject a local anesthetic into the skin and deeper tissues to numb the area. The radiologist will then drain the cyst. Most patients experience some minor discomfort during this procedure.
During the procedure we may obtain specimens, which will be sent to a pathology laboratory. Once the results are provided by the lab, which may take a few days, a final results report is sent to your referring provider, who will then explain the results and answer any follow up questions.
Wire Localization
Wire localization, also known as needle localization, helps a surgeon accurately locate abnormal tissue in the breast so it may be removed during surgery. It is performed the same day as a surgical breast biopsy.
Wire Localization takes about 20 minutes. The breast abnormality is located using mammography or ultrasound techniques. If mammography is used, you will be sitting for the exam; if ultrasound is used, you will be lying still on your back.
Once the abnormality is located, a radiologist will clean the area and inject a local anesthetic into the skin and deeper tissues to numb the area. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during this procedure. Using mammography or ultrasound, the radiologist will use a small needle to insert a guide wire next to the area of concern.
Once the wire is in place, you will be given a mammogram to document the position of the wire.
You will take a copy of these images with you to your scheduled biopsy. The wire is designed to be held securely in place until your surgical procedure is performed.
Find out more
Read our Fast Facts for answers to your questions.
- How do I prepare for ultrasound-guided biopsy?
- My doctor told me I needed to get more tests. Why?
- What are some of the risk factors associated with breast cancer?
- Why is early detection so important?
