Stereotactic Breast Biopsies are done at our Women’s Diagnostic Center, on Northwest Avenue in Suite 101.
To schedule your biopsy, please call: 360.647.2422.
What is a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?
A stereotactic breast biopsy is done by one of our highly trained radiologists. In order to ensure your comfort, an injection of local anesthetic will be given to numb the area of the breast where the needle will be inserted. A small incision is then made in the skin of your breast where the needle will be inserted.
Under X-ray guidance, the needle is inserted to the correct location of the breast, which may take a few minutes, and a biopsy sample is collected quickly, less than a second. Usually, multiple samples are taken through the same incision. It is vital that you remain perfectly still while the biopsy is being performed, to ensure optimal results.
The small incision made for the needle does not usually require stitches. Pressure is usually applied to the needle site to help stop the bleeding and a bandage will be applied. This type of breast biopsy takes about an hour. However, most of this time is needed for taking the mammographic pictures and localizing the area for the biopsy.