Women’s imaging
Stereotactic Core Biopsy
What is stereotactic biopsy?
A Stereotactic core biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure. It is done with Digital Mammography and a special computer that allows the radiologist to obtain very small tissue samples of a mass or calcifications by localizing the lesion in two views. Small abnormalities deep in the breast can be targeted and sampled for pathologic analysis.
what should i expect?
You will be sitting upright in a special chair; your breast will be compressed using a paddle that allows the needle to pass through. The skin is prepped with betadyne. Local anesthetic is placed in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. A small incision is then made in the skin. A specialized core biopsy needle is placed through the incision to the area of interest. After targeting is confirmed by the computer, multiple samples are obtained through this one incision. A tissue marker is then placed through the biopsy needle to the site of the biopsy. The compression is then removed and two mammographic images are obtained to insure the marker is at the site of the biopsy. This marks the biopsy site for future imaging or in some cases surgery.
How should I prepare?
You will need to wear a comfortable two piece outfit that buttons up the front and a comfortable bra. You do not have to fast for this procedure; you can eat and drink normally.
When will i know my results?
Pathology results are usually received within 1-3 days of your biopsy. You will receive a call from either the Radiologist or the Breast Imaging Navigator with your results and any information you may need for follow up care.
If the final results are benign, surgery is usually not necessary and patients can be followed conservatively.
Service Locations
Stereotactic Core Biopsy is available at Alamogordo Imaging Center, Breast Imaging Center, X-Ray Associates at Farmington and X-Ray Associates at Santa Fe.