Breast Stereotactic Biopsy Appointment Information

What is a stereotactic breast biopsy?

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a procedure used to obtain more information about a specific area of breast tissue that has been seen on your mammogram. It uses the same mammography machine that was used to take your original images, together with computer guidance, to precisely locate the area of concern.

A consultant radiologist will perform the procedure with assistance from a mammographer and a clinical assistant. During the biopsy, a small sample of tissue will be taken from the area being investigated. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope to help determine the nature of the finding.

Your scan

You are welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment. However, they will not be able to enter the procedure room and will need to wait in the department until the examination is completed.

When you arrive in the Imaging Department, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove clothing from the waist up.

The mammographer will take you into the examination room and explain the procedure in detail. You will then meet the radiologist, who will again go through the process and answer any questions you may have.

You will either sit or lie on a specially designed chair in front of the mammography machine. A special attachment on the machine is used to accurately locate the area of interest within the breast. The mammographer will position your breast on the machine, where it will be held firmly in place with gentle compression. It is important that you remain as still as possible during the procedure.

A series of images will then be taken to identify the exact area that needs to be sampled. Part of the machine will move to capture these images, but you will remain in the same position.

Before taking the biopsy samples, the radiologist will clean the skin and inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area. This may sting briefly. Once the area is numb, the biopsy needle will be inserted. You may feel some pressure as the samples are taken. Each time a sample is taken, you will hear a loud clicking sound from the biopsy device.

Several samples may be taken from different points within the area of interest to ensure adequate tissue is obtained. Once the samples have been collected, the radiologist may place a very small titanium clip in the breast to mark the biopsy site. This clip is safe and can remain in the breast permanently without causing harm.

After the scan

At the end of the procedure, firm pressure will be applied to the biopsy site for up to 15 minutes to reduce the risk of bleeding. Small adhesive paper stitches (steri-strips) will be placed over the puncture site and covered with a water-resistant dressing.

You may be asked to remain in the department for about 30 minutes after the procedure so staff can check that there is no bleeding before you leave. In some cases, the radiologist may also request additional mammogram images after the biopsy has been completed.