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- Biopsy
- A procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the body for examination under a microscope to find out if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
- Calcifications
- Tiny calcium deposits within the breast. These are also called microcalcifications. They may be caused by changes in the breast which can be benign or malignant (cancer).
- Core Needle
- A hollow needle used to obtain a piece of tissue. The needle is similar in size to the lead in a pencil.
- Mammogram
- A x-ray of the breast.
- Ultrasound
- A method of imaging the breast using high frequency sound waves. These waves are used to outline a specific area in the breast.
- Occasionally, a cluster of calcifications or a small lump or mass that cannot be felt with the fingers will appear on breast imaging. In some cases these masses or clusters of calcifications have an appearance that require further investigation. They can signal a possible benign (non-cancerous) breast problem or early breast cancer. A x-ray guided core needle biopsy (also called a stereotactic core biopsy) is recommended for the purpose of obtaining more information. This is only a biopsy. The entire lesion is not removed. Further surgery may be needed after the core biopsy, depending on the results.
- To perform a mammogram guided biopsy, you will be lying face down on a table so that your breast hangs through an opening. The mammogram plates are then positioned around the breast compressing it in order to locate the area of concern. A computer helps identify the exact location to be biopsied or sampled.
- To perform an ultrasound guided biopsy, you will be lying face up on a table. A special gel is applied to the breast and a radiologist uses the ultrasound machine to locate the area of concern.
- The remainder of the procedure for either an ultrasound guided biopsy or a mammogram guided biopsy is the same. The area to be biopsied is cleansed with an antiseptic. A local "numbing" anesthetic is administered to the area using a thin needle. A special "core" needle is then inserted into the breast and tissue is withdrawn. This process is repeated so that several samples are obtained. You will hear clicking sounds from the machine as these samples are taken.
- Once the samples are obtained they are sent to the pathology department. Pressure is applied to the biopsy area and a dressing will be placed over the site. The dressing should remain in place for 24 hours.
- The x-ray guided core needle biopsy procedure is performed in the Breast Imaging Department. This is located on level B2 of the Cancer Center Building. The phone number to the department (734) 936-6274.
- The entire procedure generally takes 60 to 90 minutes.
- MEDICATIONS: You should avoid taking aspirin containing medications as well as nonsteroidal (anti-inflammatory) medications for one week prior to the procedure. Examples of nonsteroidal (anti-inflammatory) medications include Advil©, Motrin©, Aleve© and Nuprin©. Please notify your physician prior to the procedure if you are taking Coumadin or other blood thinning medications. You should take all other medications as usual.
- Shower or bathe as usual on the day of the biopsy. Do not use any deodorant, powder or lotion on the breast, which will be biopsied.
- You should eat light meals and drink liquids on the day of the procedure. Fasting before the biopsy is not recommended.
- A small dressing will be placed over the skin. This should remain in place for 24 hours after the procedure.
- To decrease discomfort, wearing a supportive bra during the day and a loose bra during the night may be helpful.
- You will need to limit those activities which involve heavy lifting or strenuous arm movements for 48 hours.
- You may develop some bruising at the site of the biopsy. Although other complications are rare, they can include infection and bleeding.
You should notify the Breast Imaging Department if you develop:
- A temperature higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bleeding from the nipple that will not stop
- Swelling of the breast
- Any unusual symptoms that concern you
Breast Imaging Department:
Business Hours (734) 936-6274
After Hours (5pm - 8am), weekends and holidays (734) 936-6267 ask the paging operator to have the Radiology Superchief paged.
- The results from the Pathology Department will be available to your physician within 5-7 days.
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