Calcification

[si44]

What is a sterotactic biopsy?


This discussion is related to Calcifications.

[heika]

I am having one tomorrow and it was explained to me as follows. You are placed face down on a table and guided by computer imaging, the doctor inserts a needle and removes, usually microcalcifications I think, from the breast where some kind of abnormality has been identified. Before inserting the needle, the area of the breast is given some kind of localized pain killer. It's said to be pretty quick and a little painful but not unendurable. It's outpatient and you get the results from pathology in 7-10 days.  I hope that helps.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells—either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle—from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. During a breast biopsy, part or all of a tumor may be removed.

In stereotactic breast biopsy, a special mammography machine uses ionizing radiation to help guide the interventional radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.

You could read more about it at -

http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic768.htm

Let us know if you have any further queries.

Post us about any other doubts that you have.

Regards.

[MalindaCarolyn]

I had one yesterday and it is not very uncomfortable. I sat up in a chair and then had kind of a mammogram, only they anesthesized me and inserted a kind of needle and withdrew tissue samples.

It was not painful, I just tried to breath through it. I know from experience if you hold your breath, it makes the muscle tense. and hurts more.

The radiologist doctor and technicians were more than glad to explain everything to me even do another ultrasound and manual exam before the biopsy. I explained I was tense and they said they were glad I told them.

All in all, not a bad experience. She said she would call tomorrow when the diagnosis comes across her desk.

Good luck and I hope it is a painless for you as it was for me.