If a lump or abnormality is detected in a woman’s breast through screening,
a breast biopsy may be performed to determine whether the growth is
cancerous. A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of the
suspicious tissue so that it may be examined for diagnosis. Today,
patients benefit from less invasive breast biopsy procedures that offer
shorter recovery times, less scarring and less post-procedural pain.
The surgical and radiology team at the Holloway Breast Health Center at
Paoli Hospital specializes in minimally invasive breast biopsy
procedures that employ advanced imaging technology. These procedures
include stereotactic biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy and needle
localization, which are all performed using local anesthesia, as well as
innovative approaches like sentinel node biopsy.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
This minimally invasive procedure uses three-dimensional computerized
imaging to pinpoint suspicious areas in the breast for biopsy. more
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
With this type of biopsy, the radiologist uses ultrasound imaging to
accurately locate the suspicious tissue and guide its removal.
Needle Localization
This procedure helps determine the precise location of the abnormal
breast tissue for biopsy. Using mammography X-rays, a radiologist guides
a thin wire with a hook on the end through a hollow needle to place the
wire in or around the abnormal area. Once the wire is in the right
place, the needle is removed and the wire is left in so the surgeon
performing the biopsy will know the precise location of the abnormal
tissue.
Sentinel Node Biopsy
If breast cancer spreads, it usually spreads first to the lymph nodes
under your arms. The sentinel lymph node is the node it reaches first.
During a sentinel lymph node biopsy, a specially trained surgeon injects
a radioactive dye in the suspicious area. This dye travels to the
sentinel node. The dye lets the surgeon see the sentinel node so that he
or she can remove it and send it to a lab for examination.
Breast MRI
In addition to biopsy procedures, we also offer breast MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging) to aid in diagnosis. MRI may be used in certain cases
to help determine the extent of disease and influence treatment
decisions. It can also serve as a problem-solving tool when mammogram
and ultrasound imaging results are inconclusive. MRI may also be used to
guide needle localizations and biopsy procedures.
