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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Stereotactic Biopsy -vs- Surgical Biopsy
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Stereotactic Biopsy -vs- Surgical Biopsy
by Lips, Jul 27, 2001 12:00AM
I had a mammogram/sonogram today as follow-up to the same tests performed 3 months ago. The doctor noted some areas of calcification that appeared to be more prominent today than they were 3 months ago. Because of this he is recommending a biopsy to be sure nothing goes undetected. The areas of calcification are located around a previous breast biopsy site. My questions are:
Which type of biopsy is more accurate as far as being able to obtain samples of the calcified tissue?
Is it possible to remove all of the calcified tissue at the time of the biopsy?
What are the after effects of a stereotactic biopsy -vs- a surgical biopsy?
Thank you for any information you can provide.
Which type of biopsy is more accurate as far as being able to obtain samples of the calcified tissue?
Is it possible to remove all of the calcified tissue at the time of the biopsy?
What are the after effects of a stereotactic biopsy -vs- a surgical biopsy?
Thank you for any information you can provide.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jul 30, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Lips, A biopsy is the procedure in which a small amount of tissue is obtained in order to examine it under the microscope to determine if it contains cells that are characteristic of cancer cells.
In stereotactic biopsy, computer-assisted X-rays allow the biopsy needle to be precisely positioned, especially for smaller lumps or lumps that cannot be felt. Special mammogram films are taken of the site to be biopsied. The radiologist uses these films and, with the assistance of a computer, calculates the exact location for needle placement to obtain the biopsy. The procedure begins with cleansing the skin and applying a local anesthetic to numb the skin surface. The radiologist then introduces a sterile biopsy needle. Additional X-ray films are taken to confirm accurate needle placement. Tissue samples are obtained through the needle. It is standard procedure for the needles to be inserted three to five times in order to obtain an adequate tissue sample, this portion of the procedure takes ten minutes or less. The biopsy site is so small, a Band-Aid is usually all that is applied, and a woman can resume her normal activities after the procedure is completed. The entire procedure takes about one hour.
A surgical biopsy often involves two steps. The first step is a needle localization, in which prior to the surgical incision, the areas of calcification are located via mammogram, then a thread like needle is inserted (after cleansing and numbing the area) into the breast to mark the location. The next step now that the location is tagged, is the surgical removal of area of calcified tissue. The tissue is then studied under a microscope. If a rim of normal breast tissue is taken all the way around a lump/or this area, biopsy can also serve as part of breast cancer treatment (if cancer is found).
Care after the surgical biopsy procedure may involve wearing a special bra and dressings over the biopsy site. You will be able to remove these two days after the biopsy. Small tapes or possibly stitches will remain over the incision site, these will be removed at your follow-up appointment. You may be asked to apply medications or ice to the biopsy area or change bandages at home. Advise about showering, bathing and wound care, will be given to you by your surgeon. The area of the biopsy may be bruised right after the procedure and will go away in a few days.
The surgical biopsy takes more tissue, however with both procedures the calcified tissue is located via the X-rays or mammogram so as obtain this tissue with as much accuracy as possible. Regarding the ability to remove all of the calcified tissue at the time of the biopsy, this would depend on how localized the calcifications are seen. Perhaps with the surgical biopsy this may be accomplished. However not until the pathologist’s report, after examination of the tissue under the microscope, comes back will that be determined.
In stereotactic biopsy, computer-assisted X-rays allow the biopsy needle to be precisely positioned, especially for smaller lumps or lumps that cannot be felt. Special mammogram films are taken of the site to be biopsied. The radiologist uses these films and, with the assistance of a computer, calculates the exact location for needle placement to obtain the biopsy. The procedure begins with cleansing the skin and applying a local anesthetic to numb the skin surface. The radiologist then introduces a sterile biopsy needle. Additional X-ray films are taken to confirm accurate needle placement. Tissue samples are obtained through the needle. It is standard procedure for the needles to be inserted three to five times in order to obtain an adequate tissue sample, this portion of the procedure takes ten minutes or less. The biopsy site is so small, a Band-Aid is usually all that is applied, and a woman can resume her normal activities after the procedure is completed. The entire procedure takes about one hour.
A surgical biopsy often involves two steps. The first step is a needle localization, in which prior to the surgical incision, the areas of calcification are located via mammogram, then a thread like needle is inserted (after cleansing and numbing the area) into the breast to mark the location. The next step now that the location is tagged, is the surgical removal of area of calcified tissue. The tissue is then studied under a microscope. If a rim of normal breast tissue is taken all the way around a lump/or this area, biopsy can also serve as part of breast cancer treatment (if cancer is found).
Care after the surgical biopsy procedure may involve wearing a special bra and dressings over the biopsy site. You will be able to remove these two days after the biopsy. Small tapes or possibly stitches will remain over the incision site, these will be removed at your follow-up appointment. You may be asked to apply medications or ice to the biopsy area or change bandages at home. Advise about showering, bathing and wound care, will be given to you by your surgeon. The area of the biopsy may be bruised right after the procedure and will go away in a few days.
The surgical biopsy takes more tissue, however with both procedures the calcified tissue is located via the X-rays or mammogram so as obtain this tissue with as much accuracy as possible. Regarding the ability to remove all of the calcified tissue at the time of the biopsy, this would depend on how localized the calcifications are seen. Perhaps with the surgical biopsy this may be accomplished. However not until the pathologist’s report, after examination of the tissue under the microscope, comes back will that be determined.
