Stereotactic core needle breast biopsy is a procedure to locate and biopsy abnormal areas in the breast that cannot be felt. The areas in question are located by mammography (breast x-ray). The abnormalities are either worrisome x-ray shadows (areas of increased density) or clusters of small calcium deposits (microcalcifications). Most of these are benign. In those cases where cancer is diagnosed, it is usually small and in its early stages. Early diagnosis of breast cancer provides the patient with the best opportunity for cure.

Stereotactic core needle breast biopsy is performed on a special horizontal table where the breast is allowed to hang through a hole in the table. Special x-ray views allow a computer to determine the exact site of the questionable shadow or calcium deposit. The computer then directs a special biopsy needle to that exact site. Local anesthesia is applied to the skin and a small incision is made. Several biopsies of the site with the needle provide enough tissue to obtain a microscopic diagnosis. A stainless steel clip is left at the biopsy site to easily identify where the biopsy was performed on future mammograms.

The entire procedure takes approximately one hour. The risks of the bleeding, infection, deformity of the breast, or pain after the procedure are significantly minimized. After the procedure, the individual can return to usual activities. We do recommend that strenuous activities be avoided for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

A final diagnosis is usually available from the pathology department in 3-4 days. A follow-up mammogram is usually performed 6 months after the biopsy.

In a few instances, due to the limitations of the special machine, a stereotactic biopsy cannot be performed. In these cases, an open needle localized breast biopsy or an ultrasound guided core biopsy may be necessary.

The main advantages of this procedure over needle localized breast biopsy are as follows: The whole procedure is performed under local anesthesia without a need for sedation or general anesthesia. The incision required is very small (about 1/8 inch). Complications from an open breast biopsy include bleeding, infection, pain, scar formation and deformity of the breast. Stereotactic needle core breast biopsy significantly reduces these risks.