Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of abnormal breast tissue is obtained and sent for analysis.

A stereotactic breast biopsy is performed to determine if the abnormal breast tissue, seen on a mammogram, or a lump is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Before your stereotactic breast biopsy, you will be asked to discontinue Coumadin (blood-thinning medication) three days prior to the procedure.

Other blood thinning medications, such as aspirin, Ticlid, Plavis, Pletal or Aggrenox should not be taken for 7 days prior to your exam. Other medications can be taken as usual. Your may eat a light breakfast. Please do not wear deodorants, powders or perfumes on your upper body. You will be asked to undress from the waist up, so wear a blouse, shirt or sweater that you can easily remove, rather than a dress.

For the procedure, you will rest face-down on a specially designed X-ray table. Your breast will be positioned through an opening in the table so it can be compressed and 
X-rayed during the procedure. A technologist will help you position yourself correctly and comfortably. The table is raised during the procedure so that the technologist and radiologist can work beneath you, out of view. The radiologist uses a computer to determine the precise location of the abnormality in your breast. After anesthetizing (numbing up) the correct site, a needle is guided into the breast to obtain samples of the abnormal tissue. Most women feel some pressure, but there is usually no pain. Multiple tissue samples are taken and a metallic marker may be inserted through the biopsy needle. The samples are examined by a pathologist, who then makes a diagnosis. A radiologist and technologist will be with you throughout the procedure. Please feel free to ask any questions before and during the exam. The entire procedure takes about an hour.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

After the procedure, the biopsy site will be bandaged and a cold pack will be applied to reduce swelling and bruising. You may take a non-aspirin pain reliever (Tylenol) if you have persistent discomfort. You may leave when you feel able. Final results should be available in two to three days. Any bruising should fade in five to seven days. If there is excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, heat or redness, call The Breast Center at (320) 229-4919 or (800) 835-6652, ext. 74919.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance