• Skip Navigation
• Our Services
• Patients & Visitors
• For Medical Professionals
• Events & Classes
• About Us

• Atlanta Bariatric Center
• The Birth Place
• Breast Center
  • Mammography
  • Breast Ultrasound & MRI
  • Other Breast Procedures
  • Breast Biopsy
• Cardiac Catheterization Lab
• Diabetes Education
• Diagnostic Imaging Services
• Dietitian Services
• Emergency Department
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Pain Center
• Pharmacy
• Rehabilitation Services
• Robotic Surgery
• Sleep Center
• Stroke Treatment
• Surgical Services
• Women's Center

FIND A DOCTOR MAPS & DIRECTIONS VIDEO LIBRARY

Search MedlinePlus

Blood, Heart and Circulation Bones, Joints and Muscles Brain and Nerves Digestive System Ear, Nose and Throat Endocrine System Eyes and Vision Immune System Kidneys and Urinary System Lungs and Breathing Mouth and Teeth Skin, Hair and Nails Female Reproductive System Male Reproductive System

Health Topics from MedlinePlus Select one... Blood, Heart and Circulation Bones, Joints and Muscles Brain and Nerves Digestive System Ear, Nose and Throat Endocrine System Eyes and Vision Immune System Kidneys and Urinary System Lungs and Breathing Mouth and Teeth Skin, Hair and Nails Female Reproductive System Male Reproductive System

Breast Biopsy 

Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy

A core needle biopsy is used to evaluate solid masses that are identified with ultrasound. This outpatient procedure is less invasive than a surgical biopsy.

What to Expect
During the procedure, the patient lies on her back and the breast is free and not compressed as it is during mammography. The area of concern is identified using ultrasound, and the skin overlying the area of concern is cleaned to help avoid infection. A numbing medicine is then administered to the skin so that that patient will not feel the biopsy needle during the procedure. The biopsy needle is then placed in the lesion, and multiple samples of the abnormality are obtained and are sent to the lab and pathologist for evaluation.

Aside from the minimal pain associated with receiving the numbing medicine, the procedure is typically painless. The biopsy usually takes between ten to twenty minutes; however, the patient should plan on spending two hours in the department to allow for registration and post biopsy care.

After Care
Following the procedure, pressure and ice are applied to the biopsy site to help reduce the incidence of bleeding and bruising. On the day of the procedure, the patient should wear a bra that can provide support for an ice pack when she leaves the department. The biopsy site is bandaged and the patient is given detailed instructions concerning care of the biopsy incision. Since the patient does not receive any form of general anesthesia, the patient may drive herself home and can return to work immediately following the procedure. The patient should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous physical activities such as running and aerobics for 24 hours following the procedure. Results from the procedure are typically available one to two days following the biopsy. If the results are benign, typically the area of concern will undergo follow up imaging in six months. If there are any suspicious findings, the area of concern will need to be surgically removed. Patients should avoid aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and ibuprofen for seven days prior to the procedure, as these medications can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Acetaminophens such as Tylenol do not increase the risk of bleeding and are the preferred choice of pain medication for seven days prior to the procedure and following the procedure. Patients who are taking, Coumadin, Plavix or Heparin should notify the radiologist prior to scheduling their procedure.

Stereotactic Core Biopsy

Stereotactic core needle biopsy is an outpatient procedure used to evaluate an abnormality that has been detected mammographically. This procedure is less invasive than a surgical biopsy, and studies have shown it to be equally accurate when compared to surgery (both procedures are accurate approximately 98 percent of the time).

What to Expect
During a stereotactic biopsy, the patient lies on her stomach with her breast placed through a hole in the table, and the doctor works below the table to perform the biopsy. As with mammography, the breast is compressed during the stereotactic procedure. Using preliminary x-rays, the radiologist identifies the abnormal area and the skin overlying the abnormal area is cleaned to help avoid infection. The breast is numbed with local anesthesia, and no general anesthesia is administered. The entire procedure is performed through a very small nick in the skin. The core biopsy needle is placed through the skin nick, and x-ray images are obtained to confirm the needle is appropriately positioned within the lesion. Multiple samples of the abnormal tissue are then obtained and sent to the lab and pathologist for further evaluation. Often at the conclusion of the procedure, a small stainless steel clip is placed at the biopsy site to mark the area which underwent biopsy. This clip is not bothersome to the patient and is very helpful to the radiologist for future follow up imaging. The procedure is painless with the exception of the administration of the numbing medicine and the compression of the breasts. The biopsy usually take between 15 to 20 minutes; however, the patient should plan on being in the department for about two hours to allow for registration and post biopsy care.

After Care
Following the procedure, pressure and ice are applied to the biopsy site to help reduce bleeding and bruising. On the day of the procedure, the patient should wear a bra that can provide support for an ice pack when she leaves the department. The biopsy site is bandaged, and the patient is given instructions concerning care of the biopsy incision site. Patients may drive themselves to the procedure and may return to work immediately following the biopsy. The patient should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous activities such as running and aerobics for 24 hours following the procedure. Results from the procedure are typically available one to two days following the biopsy. If the results are benign, typically the area of concern will undergo follow up imaging in six months. If there are any suspicious findings, the area of concern will need to be surgically removed. Patients should avoid aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and ibuprofen for seven days prior to the procedure, as these medications can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Acetaminophens such as Tylenol do not increase the risk of bleeding and are the preferred choice of pain medication for seven days prior to the  procedure and following the procedure. Patients who are taking, Coumadin, Plavix or Heparin should notify the radiologist prior to scheduling their procedure.