Minimally Invasive Biopsy

This technique utilizes the most advanced technology available today. Any solid mass that can be identified by ultrasound is amendable to biopsy using this technique.   This may also be used for the removal of benign solid masses as well as the removal of recurrent cytic (fluid-filled) lesions.

Reasons this technique may be better than the previously popular excisional biopsy?

 What can I expect the day of my procedure?

One hour before the procedure,  we typically advise you take valium or another anxiolytic medication.    You may also require an additional dose of this medication once the nurse has evaluated you in the office – you need to bring the additional dose with you to the office the day of the procedure.  This does mean that you will require a driver.  We encourage a family member, friend or spouse accompany you to the procedure as well as come into the procedure room with you.

The procedure will be performed in our office with the guidance of the ultrasound. 

You will lie flat on your back or may be propped to one side or the other with pillows, depending on the location of the lesion in question.  The breast will then be localized (small pinch and burn).  The rest of the procedure should be painless.  You may experience a pulling sensation – much like at the dentist’s office- but no pain.  The breast will then be cleansed with a sterilizing solution.  A ¼ inch skin incision is made.  Our biopsy device is then advanced into the lesion under the guidance of the ultrasound.  Multiple “cores” of tissue are obtained, usually between 5 – 10 cores.   You will not have any identifiable volume loss to the breast or cosmetic defect.   Each of these samples are the size of a small grub.  All removed tissue will be sent to the pathology lab for analysis.  The biopsy device is removed and direct pressure is held for 5 – 10 minutes.  A small piece of tape is placed over the incision – no suture is required.  An ace wrap is then placed around the chest.  This ace wrap is to be worn as tight as possible until the next morning.  The next morning, the ace wrap can be removed and you can shower as usual.  The tape should remain in place and allow you to shower daily.  We will remove the tape at your next office visit.  If the tape falls off or causes a blister to the skin, it is ok to remove the tape and replace with a  bandaid.  If you cannot tolerate the ace because it is too tight or it falls off, please replace with a tight bra or a sports bra.  The idea is to keep the breast tissue as tight as possible to the chest wall for 72 hours.

• You will need the day of the procedure and the day after the procedure off work.  Return to work will then be on a case by case basis.  
  
• You will be able to return to low impact exercise ( walking, bike riding etc) after 1 week.
  
•  You will be able to return to all exercise including Jacuzzi , swimming, lifting weights, running after two weeks.
  

The biopsy / pathology report will be available in 5 days and will be discussed with you at your follow up visit.