Memorial Regional Breast Care Center

Stereotactic Mammotome Breast Biopsy

Stereotactic (x-rays from two angles) breast biopsy is used to biopsy an abnormal nodule or microcalcifications found on a mammogram. In some cases, this procedure eliminates the need for a more invasive surgical biopsy. The accuracy of outpatient stereotactic biopsy can be as great as open biopsy and is less costly.

What’s Involved
Stereotactic biopsy is done in a prone (laying face down) position on a table. Your breast will be suspended through an opening in the table and positioned with compression, similar to a mammogram, during the entire procedure. Computer digital mammograms will be taken and appear on a monitor to calculate the location of the area for biopsy. Images will be taken throughout the procedure to ensure accuracy for tissue sampling.

After the abnormal area is targeted, the radiologist will inject a local anesthetic into your breast. A small skin nick will be made in the breast at the biopsy site. The Mammotome probe will be advanced through the skin nick to the biopsy site.

The radiologist will rotate the probe inside the breast so cores of tissue can be sampled. A vacuum system draws the tissue into the needle’s collection area. The vacuum system is also used to suction out blood or fluid at the biopsy site.

After an adequate sampling of tissue is done, the radiologist may place a small metallic clip at the biopsy site in the breast. This clip will mark where the biopsy occurred if surgery would be needed in this area. You will not be able to feel the clip nor will it interfere with metal detectors or having a MRI done in the future.

Standard digital mammogram views will be done to reestablish a baseline after biopsy and verify clip placement. A pressure dressing is applied and the nurse will go over written discharge instructions with you.  

Results
The pathologist’s report takes at least three working days. Your physician will inform you of these results when they become available. If your biopsy is benign, the radiologist may recommend a 4-6 month follow up to re-evaluate the biopsy area.

Preparing for your biopsy
You may need to pre-certify with your insurance company that you are having this procedure done. You may eat breakfast and lunch the day of your procedure. Although you will not be given any medications to make you drowsy, you may choose to have someone drive you to and from the Breast Care Center.

Do not take any medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve 3 days prior to your biopsy. The nurse will talk to you about allergies and any other blood thinners you may be on. You may take Tylenol.