Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy — also called an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy — is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
During the procedure, a breast radiologist uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle into a specific area of breast tissue to take a small sample for testing. It is performed to help your care team accurately diagnose breast cancer and other conditions.
UPMC breast imaging experts provide advanced diagnostic care. Our leading-edge ultrasound technology, combined with our minimally invasive needle biopsy techniques, allows our breast biopsy teams to deliver the fast and accurate results you need.
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy — also called an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy — is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
During the procedure, a breast radiologist uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle into a specific area of breast tissue to take a small sample for testing. It is performed to help your care team accurately diagnose breast cancer and other conditions.
Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy if your ultrasound exam shows a suspicious area of breast tissue.
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies do not use radiation, making them a safe option for accurately evaluating a range of breast conditions. Because the procedure targets a precise area of the breast using a small incision when compared to other types of breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy offers benefits including:
You may be a candidate for ultrasound-guided breast biopsy if you have a suspicious area of breast tissue and your doctor recommends taking a sample for testing in a lab.
Like all medical procedures, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies have some minor risks, including:
On the day of your procedure, arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled procedure time. Be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s).
You should wear a two-piece outfit (shirt and pants/shorts) and bring a sports bra, if you have one. Wearing a supportive bra after your procedure can minimize breast movement and discomfort.
You should be able to drive home from the hospital after you are discharged.
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy takes about 10 minutes. However, you should plan to be at the breast center for up to two hours.
You will receive an injection of numbing medication that may burn for about 15 seconds. You may feel mild pressure during your ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, but you should not feel any pain.
There are several stages of an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, including:
Your radiologist or technologist will obtain ultrasound images of the area to be biopsied and make a small temporary ink mark on your skin.
After cleaning your skin, you will receive an injection of numbing medication. You may feel a burning sensation that lasts about 15 seconds while the numbing medication is given. You may feel some pressure during your procedure, but you shouldn't feel any pain.
Tissue sampling
Your radiologist will make a small incision in your skin and insert the biopsy needle into the area of concern using ultrasound guidance. Your radiologist will take several small tissue samples for analysis in the lab.
Your radiologist will place a tiny titanium biopsy clip into the area that was biopsied to mark the area for future breast imaging or surgery. The biopsy clip does not set off metal detectors.
Our staff will hold pressure on your incision site for about 10 minutes to make sure the area does not bleed when you get home. Our team will cover your incision with wound closure strips and a bandage. The wound closure strips should be left in place until they fall off on their own after about a week. You will also have a mammogram to confirm that the biopsy marker is placed properly.
You may feel mild pressure or discomfort during your ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, but you will receive local anesthesia and should not feel any pain. You may have mild pain, discomfort, or bruising for 7-10 days after your procedure.
You should be able to drive home after your breast biopsy procedure and resume your normal activities within a few hours. You may notice some tenderness, discomfort, or bruising that should get better within 7-10 days.
During your recovery, you should:
Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of infection or complications including:
After your ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, our team will make sure you receive the follow-up care you need.
Our experts understand that waiting for biopsy results can be stressful. It is important to remember that most breast biopsies turn out to be benign (noncancerous). The nurse will call, or make sure your health care provider has called, to inform you of your biopsy results as soon as your results are received from the pathology department. This usually takes 2-4 business days after your biopsy. Your results will immediately go to your patient portal as soon as they are available.
About 25-33 percent of ultrasound-guided breast biopsies detect cancer.
If your biopsy indicates cancer, you will be referred to a team of UPMC breast cancer experts for treatment. UPMC is nationally recognized and offers the most advanced treatment options available, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies, along with complementary therapies. Physicians specially trained in the management of breast cancer will review your case with you and develop a personalized treatment plan. Our supportive care team can help you and your loved ones manage the many emotions and questions that may arise throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process.
Your pathologist may report a variety of atypical findings on a core needle biopsy. If you receive an atypical biopsy result, your doctor may recommend that you schedule an appointment at our high-risk breast cancer clinic to discuss risk-reducing strategies.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a pre-cancerous condition that occurs when some, but not all, changes resemble breast cancer. If ADH is found, your doctor may recommend surgical excision of a small amount of additional tissue because there is a 35 percent chance that cancer could be present.
Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) are not cancer, but are markers of increased risk of developing cancer in either breast. If you have ALH, your doctor may recommend six-month follow-up or surgical excision. For LCIS, your doctor may recommend a breast MRI and/or surgical excision of additional tissue at that spot.
Your radiologist will need to determine if your imaging results match with the pathology results. Most of the time, you can return to routine screening after a benign result on core needle biopsy. However, a repeat biopsy or surgical excision may be recommended in certain cases.
When you choose UPMC for ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, you will receive:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-08-28.
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