Services performed at: Flint (Lennon Road), Novi, Royal Oak
What Is Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy?
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses sound waves to guide a radiologist’s insertion of a needle or other small instrument to extract samples to be tested for breast cancer from the precise location of suspicious tissue. After the biopsy, the tissue samples are tested in a laboratory to determine if they are cancerous.
Who Benefits from Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy?
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is often the best procedure to use for breast cancer diagnosis when the suspicious tissue was originally identified through a breast ultrasound exam.
Preparing for Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
RMI will contact you prior to your appointment to discuss how to prepare. Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to wear on the day of the exam. You can expect to wear a gown that RMI will provide, and you may need to remove any jewelry or accessories that could interfere with the sound waves.
You will be lying face up or slightly to the side on an examination table.
To numb the breast so that you will feel little or no sensation when the biopsy needle is inserted, you will receive a local anesthetic.
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and is virtually painless, taking about one hour. We may recommend that you use a cold pack and over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any discomfort from mild swelling or bruising after the procedure. You should avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours, but you should otherwise be able to resume a normal routine.
Resources:
- RadiologyInfo.org: Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
