If you have a suspicious abnormality in your breast, your doctor might recommend a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from the abnormality. The tissue is then tested and viewed under a microscope to find out whether or not it is cancerous.

If your doctor recommends a biopsy, it does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Eighty-five percent of breast biopsies turn out to be non-cancerous. Even if cancer is detected, if it’s found early, there’s a much higher chance that the cancer will be successfully treated.

Advanced Breast Care Imaging uses three different types of imaging methods to help locate the breast abnormality for biopsy. They include: stereotactic-guided biopsies, ultrasound-guided biopsies and MRI-guided biopsies.

The type of image-guided biopsy recommended depends on the size and location of the abnormality in the breast and various other factors.

How should I prepare?

For seven days before the biopsy, do not take any medications that may increase your risk of bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Nuprin and supplements like Vitamin E, garlic, glucosamine, chondrotin, flaxseed, fish oil, feverfew, ginger, licorice, St. John’s Wort and zinc.

With the exception of those listed above, you may take your usual medications unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

You may eat a light breakfast in the morning before your exam and you may shower or bathe before the biopsy.

Do not wear any deodorant, lotion, perfume or powder on the day of the exam.

Do wear a comfortable bra and a top that opens in the front.

Before your biopsy, tell your doctor or technologist if:

•iiiiYou are taking any medications.

•iiiiYou are allergic to any medications.

•iiiiThere’s a chance you might be pregnant.

•iiiiYou take blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix or aspirin.

What should I bring with me?

If you’ve had a mammogram performed at another facility in the past, bring the original films with you to Advanced Breast Care Imaging. Or, if you notify us in advance, we can request the films from your previous imaging facility on your behalf.

Referral form from your doctor.

Your insurance card.

A list of all your medications, including frequency and dosages of each and a list of allergies you may have.

What happens during the biopsy?

Your doctor will locate the exact site to be biopsied using one of three imaging methods (MRI-guided, stereotactic-guided or ultrasound-guided).

Once the site is identified, the doctor will cleanse the skin with an antiseptic that will feel cool and wet.

A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area.

The doctor will collect the tissue samples using a core needle device or a small probe that uses very gentle suction to extract the tissue sample.

A small titanium clip will be placed at the site for future reference by the surgeon. You will not be able to feel the clip and it will not set off metal detectors. If the biopsy is benign, the clip will remain in the breast and does not need to be removed.

Pressure will be applied to the site for 5 to 10 minutes. The technologist will cleanse your breast and place a dressing over the site.

The technologist will cleanse your breast and place a dressing over the site.