Imaging (Radiology) Procedures

What is the test?

Stereotactic breast biopsy is a nonsurgical method of collecting breast tissue for microscopic analysis. This type of biopsy is usually recommended to evaluate a mammographic finding.

How do I prepare?

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. On the day of the exam, do not wear deodorant or powder. We suggest that you wear a two-piece outfit because you will be asked to disrobe from the waist up and given a hospital gown to wear.

What can I expect during the procedure?

You will lie on your stomach on a special table that has an opening for the breast to hang through. The breast will be positioned and compressed similar to a mammogram. A pair of mammogram images will be taken from two specific angles. (This is a “stereotactic” pair of images.) This step allows the radiologist to precisely locate the area for biopsy. Local anesthesia is used to numb the biopsy site. A special needle is positioned in the breast at the site selected for biopsy and tissue samples are taken. The specimens are sent to pathology for analysis. Stereotactic biopsy takes about an hour and a half, and causes no permanent scarring or deformity in the breast.

You may experience a little soreness in the area of the biopsy, but most women find sufficient relief from over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Typically, within 48 hours a written report of your test results will be sent to your referring physician, who will review them with you. Additional time (3 to 5 days) may be required if we are comparing these test results to previous findings from another hospital.

Stereotactic biopsy is performed at the Convenient Care Campus on Warren Road at Arrowwood Drive in Ithaca.