large needle biopsy

i am scheduled to have a large needle biopsy in a few days. Please provide info as to how long the procedure takes and exactly what and how it will be done. Thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear fritzi, I think the type of biopsy you are referring to is the stereotactic needle biopsy procedure.  

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