Imaging-Guided Breast Biopsy
In the old days, getting a biopsy meant a big operation with general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a painful wound.
Today, with the power of modern radiology, we can see inside the body with exquisite detail and perform precision biopsies with minimal risk and pain, and the patient can go home shortly after the procedure.
Here are some types of imaging-guided biopsies and their uses:
CT-guided biopsy:
- mass or nodule in the chest
- mass or nodule in the abdomen
- mass or nodule in the pelvis
- mass or nodule in an arm or leg
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Ultrasound-guided biopsy:
- mass or nodule in the thyroid
- mass or nodule in the breast that is visible by ultrasound
Stereotactic biopsy:
- mass or nodule in the breast that is visible on a mammogram
- cluster of calcifications that is visible on a mammogram
Breast MRI:
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of instead of x-rays to produce images of soft tissues in the body. Unlike conventional mammography, breast MRI does not require compression of the breast. In certain situations when a woman has a very high risk of breast cancer a breast MRI may be used as a screening tool. Generally, however breast MRI does not replace mammography and is usually performed when your health care provider determines it would benefit your particular needs. For example, your Doctor may recommend a Breast MRI if
you have:
- A recent diagnosis of Breast Cancer, for staging the extent of the cancer in the involved breast, and for screening the opposite breast.
- A palpable lump or mass not detectable on a mammogram or breast ultrasound
- A diagnosis of cancer in an axillary lymph node with a normal mammogram and breast ultrasound
- Very dense breast tissue
- Inconclusive findings on mammography or breast ultrasound.
- A history of precancerous breast changes.
- A strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
- Suspected leak or rupture of breast implant
For More information about breast biopsies, click here.
Imaging-Guided biopsies are performed by SDI radiologists at St. Joseph's Hospital and St. Joseph's Women's Hospital.
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