Breast biopsy - ultrasound

A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.

There are several types of breast biopsies, including stereotactic, ultrasound-guided, MRI-guided, and excisional breast biopsy. This article focuses on needle-based, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.

How the Test is Performed

You are asked to undress from the waist up. You wear a robe that opens in the front. During the biopsy, you are awake.

You lie on your back.

The biopsy is done in the following way:

The health care provider cleans the area on your breast.
Numbing medicine is injected.
The doctor makes a very small cut on your breast over the area that needs to be biopsied.
The doctor uses an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the abnormal area in your breast that needs to be biopsied.
Several small pieces of tissue are taken.
A small metal clip may be placed into the breast in the area of the biopsy to mark it, if needed.

The biopsy is done using one of the following:

Fine needle aspiration
Hollow needle (called a core needle)
Vacuum-powered device
Both a hollow needle and vacuum-powered device

Once the tissue sample has been taken, the needle is removed. Ice and pressure are applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage is applied to absorb any fluid. You do not need any stitches after the needle is taken out. If needed, strips of tape may be placed to close the wound.