Breast Stereotactic Biopsy

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses mammography to visualize calcifications and obtain a sample for testing.

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Calcification & Biopsy of the Breast

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses magnified high-resolution radiology imaging and triangulation to localize abnormal findings called calcifications in 3D. To produce these images, a special X-ray tube inside the stereotactic table takes low-dose radiology images of the calcifications from various angles.

Radiologists specializing in women's imaging look for subtle tissue changes in the breast. These changes may be as obvious as a mass or as subtle as tiny white spots as small as grains of sand called microcalcifications. The term "microcalcifications" refers to the microscopic size of deposits composed of many kinds of minerals, not just calcium.

When calcifications are noted on a screening mammogram, you will need a diagnostic mammogram that uses a specialized mammogram technique called "magnification." The mammogram machine is fitted with a "magnification stand," which changes the focal spot of the mammogram and allows fine details in the breast, like calcifications, to be magnified. Although the mechanism is different, you can think of the process as similar to a "magnifying glass for the breast."

When Do You Need a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?

The appearance of breast calcifications, the distribution, and any other associated findings may signal early changes in the breast tissue. Signs that may indicate breast tissue changes can include:

Masses

Lumps

Calcifications

Abnormal tissue

We know that some patterns of calcifications are more suspicious than others. For example, diffusely scattered vague calcifications throughout the breasts are usually benign (noncancerous). However, other patterns, such as irregular microcalcifications forming a small tight cluster or growing along a larger segment of the breast, may suggest an early pathologic (atypical, precancer, or cancerous) abnormality.

A specialized radiologist with many years of training in women's imaging or breast imaging interprets the magnified images to distinguish the different patterns of calcifications and whether there are any associated findings. Some patterns of calcifications can be followed, while others may require a needle biopsy to determine if they are benign or cancerous, or in between (atypical or precancerous). Calcifications are described and categorized by the American College of Radiology under a special lexicon called the Breast Imaging–Reporting and Data System, called BI-RADS for short.

Is Ultrasound Better for Dense Breast Tissue?

Nearly half of women have dense breast tissue, which can make it harder for a standard mammogram to detect small masses. Dense tissue and tumors can both appear white on a mammogram image. If your mammogram report mentions dense breast tissue, your radiologist may recommend a supplemental breast ultrasound because sound waves can see through dense tissue in a way X-rays cannot. This is one of the most common reasons patients are referred to us for a dense breast ultrasound after a routine screening mammogram.

Our Approach to Breast Care

At Together Women’s Health Imaging Center, our technologists and physicians specialize in performing, detecting, and diagnosing breast conditions using the most advanced imaging and breast biopsy procedures. We have decades of experience treating all body organ systems and their interrelationships. Our specialization in breast health and women’s imaging creates the best opportunity to arrive at the most accurate diagnosis for women in Royal Oak and beyond.

What to Expect With a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

The stereotactic breast biopsy is usually scheduled for a different day than the diagnostic mammogram workup to give you time and instructions to prepare.

1. Preparing for the Biopsy

There are a few things we ask you to do to prepare before your procedure. - Do not take medicines that can thin the blood unless you are directed to continue taking them by your referring physician. Some patients may have special reasons they need to stay on their blood thinners, such as a recent metal bore cardiac stent or clotting disorder. Always listen to your referring clinician regarding those decisions. We advise against taking aspirin if you are solely on it for prevention reasons. - Do not use deodorant, body lotion, or powders on the breast, as these may produce false alarms as small aluminum or metallic particles may mimic calcifications. - Refrain from any rigorous activities for one to two days after the procedure. So plan your tennis match either before or several days after your stereotactic breast biopsy. If you are planning an active vacation to include activities such as swimming, rigorous hiking, or skiing, consider postponing the biopsy until you return. Even though there will be only a tiny nick on the skin, we want to minimize the chance of soreness, infection, or bleeding at the site.

2. During the Biopsy

- You will be sitting in a chair with your breast in compression. - The technologist will obtain a few low-dose views for targeting. - The radiologist will anesthetize the skin with a tiny numbing needle and use mammographic guidance to see where the finding recommended for biopsy is located in the 3D space. - Another special needle called a “probe” is inserted at the target site, through which more anesthetic is given and a light vacuum is directed to the finding. The obtained sample will be X-rayed and sampled by the pathologist. A tissue marker will be placed at the biopsy site.

3. After the Biopsy

You will likely experience slight bruising of the breast for a few days. Some women may feel a lump under the biopsy site for up to a week. This lump is from the serum and blood that the body sends to the area as its natural way of healing. If the lump is the size of a small plum or larger, please reach out to our clinical care team and select the “physician/patient pathology” phone option to discuss any changes to your protocol. Infection is extremely rare, but call us if you have a fever, chills, or any redness at the site of the biopsy. Some people may experience contact sensitivity from the tape on the skin, which appears red, but this is often associated with a geographic non-warm, non-streaking area that perfectly fits the line of the tape. If you are sensitive to the tape, remove it and wear a tight sports bra instead. Call your referring clinician or us if you have any concerns. The results of your breast stereotactic biopsy will be available in 1-2 working days. Together Women’s Health Imaging Center Patient Navigator and the Radiologist correlate the results and coordinate any follow-up care or management indicated. Follow-up magnification images after the biopsy may be recommended even for benign biopsies. A contrast breast MRI can help with treatment planning if the biopsy proves to be cancer. We will work with your referring clinician to coordinate an individualized treatment plan with surgeons or oncologists to fit your particular needs.

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Kelly McAleese, MD

Meet Our Radiologists

Our radiologists are dedicated to serving our community, working hard to help women detect breast abnormalities as early as possible. With decades of experience, we are elevating standards in women’s imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

What is Breast Stereotactic Biopsy?

Breast Stereotactic Biopsy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to obtain a tissue sample from a suspicious area in the breast. It is usually recommended when an abnormality is seen on a mammogram or ultrasound and further investigation is needed to determine if it is cancerous.

How is Breast Stereotactic Biopsy performed?

During a Breast Stereotactic Biopsy, we ask the patient to lie on their stomach on a special table where the breast can be compressed and immobilized. Using low-dose mammography, we locate the area of concern. A small incision is made, and a needle is inserted into the breast to remove a tissue sample, which will be sent to a lab for analysis.

What does a Breast Stereotactic Biopsy look for?

The Breast Stereotactic Biopsy looks for any abnormalities in the breast tissue that could indicate cancer, such as lumps, calcifications, or other changes.

What percentage of Breast Stereotactic Biopsies are cancer?

The percentage of Breast Stereotactic Biopsies that show cancer varies depending on the individual case, the size and location of the suspicious area, and other factors. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of Breast Stereotactic Biopsies result in breast cancer diagnosis.

How long does it take to heal from a Breast Stereotactic Biopsy?

After a Breast Stereotactic Biopsy, patients may experience pain, swelling, or bruising in the breast area. These symptoms usually go away within a few days to a week. Patients can usually resume their normal activities within a day or two of the procedure, but should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a week or two. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions for aftercare to ensure proper healing.

Insurance Options We Honor

At The Women's Imaging Center, we accept most major insurance providers and provide affordable self-pay options. If you have any questions about whether we accept your insurance, please contact us at (303) 321-2273.

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Mammogram Screening Near Me

Looking for a breast ultrasound near you in the Royal Oak area? Together Women's Health Imaging Center is a dedicated women's imaging center offering same-week appointments for screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, and breast ultrasound exams; no referral required for your first mammogram.

Royal Oak , MI 336 N Main St Royal Oak, MI 48067 (888) 248-3953

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Services Mammogram Ultrasound Biopsy

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