Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

An ultrasound guided breast biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of abnormal breast tissue is obtained and sent for analysis.

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

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

Other blood thinners such as aspirin, Ticlid, Plavix, Pletal or Aggrenox should not be taken for 7 days prior to your biopsy. Other medications can be taken as usual. You 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.

During the procedure, you will be positioned comfortably on a cart with the help of the ultrasongrapher. The sonographer will then scan your breast to locate the area of abnormality. The radiologist will review this scan and determine the precise location to be anesthetized (numbed up). The radiologist will guide the biopsy needle to the abnormality utilizing ultrasound. As the samples are being taken, you will hear a “click” sound from the biopsy device. Three to six samples will be taken. Occasionally more may be needed. Most women feel pressure, but there is usually no pain during the biopsy. 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 5-7 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