After your mammogram, you doctor might want to get a better image of the breast and refer you for a breast ultrasound.
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time pictures of the body.
Doctors use a transducer probe to get an image of the breast tissue on a computer screen. The image also helps them guide the biopsy needle to the right place.
Breast biopsies help doctors diagnose:
- Abnormalities, such as lumps or nodules.
- An area of tissue change.
- A distortion in the structure of breast tissue.
Keep in mind that finding a lump or problem in the breast doesn't mean it's cancer. Most breast biopsy results are benign.
What to Expect During Your Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
At Magee-Womens Imaging, board-certified radiologists who specialize in breast imaging do ultrasound-guided biopsies to:
- Target the growth or mass in the breast tissue.
- Help your doctor learn if the abnormality is a fluid-filled benign cyst or may be a risk for becoming cancerous.
During the test, you will lie on an exam table and your doctor will:
- Use ultrasound to find the lump or suspect tissue and place a mark on your breast.
- Look at the image on the screen to guide a needle to the proper place.
- Take a few samples of cells or breast tissue.
- Send the samples to the lab to look at under a microscope and see if cancer is present.
After the test, we'll apply pressure to the biopsy site for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent bleeding.
Because the procedure targets a precise area of the breast using a small incision, you should have:
- Minimal scarring.
- Reduced pain, compared to an open, more invasive breast biopsy.
- A shorter recovery time and return to you daily routine.
