Cyst
Aspiration/Fine Needle Aspiration
Fine needle aspiration of
the breast is a procedure that is performed using a needle to draw out a
small amount of cells or fluid from the breast. The area of concern is
anesthetized before the procedure, with very little discomfort involved.
It generally leaves no scar and is considered a simple office procedure,
performed using ultrasound guidance.
Needle Localization
When abnormalities are
identified on mammography or ultrasound, and surgical removal is
recommended, a needle with a fine wire is guided into the abnormal
area. The needle is removed and the wire left in place. This marks the
lesion so that it can be surgically removed without removing a large
amount of normal tissue. The area of concern is anesthetized before the
procedure, with very little discomfort involved.
Stereotactically Guided
Breast Core Biopsy
This is an alternative to a
more invasive surgical biopsy. The area of concern is anesthetized
before the procedure. There is only mild discomfort and generally no
scarring of the breasts. The breast is gently compressed for this
procedure. The stereotactically guided breast biopsy uses computer
technology that enables our radiologists to locate and obtain a sample
of the precise center of the area in question. The procedure uses
x-rays and a special biopsy needle.
Ultrasound Guided Breast
Core Biopsy
This is an alternative to a
more invasive surgical biopsy. The area of concern is anesthetized
before the procedure. There is only mild discomfort and generally no
scarring of the breasts. An ultrasound scan detects breast changes by
sending high-frequency sound waves into the breast. The echo patterns
from the sound waves are converted into an image of the breast’s
interior. The radiologist will insert the biopsy needle and remove
samples of tissue, using the ultrasound for guidance.
Ductogram
This is a test used to
evaluate some cases of nipple discharge, in order to see what the inside
of the breast duct looks like. A tiny thread-like catheter is passed
into the opening of the duct and then a small amount of X-ray dye is
used to fill the duct prior to taking mammographic images. There is
generally minimal or no discomfort with this procedure.
MRI Guided Breast Core
Biopsy
This is an alternative to a
more invasive surgical biopsy. There is only mild discomfort and
generally no scarring of the breasts. The breast is gently compressed
for this procedure and local anesthetic is used. Biopsies performed
with MRI use a strong magnet and radio waves to guide the procedure.
The procedure takes a little more time than the other biopsies because
of the way the images are acquired. The actual time it takes to sample
the tissue is the same. The radiologist will insert the biopsy needle
using precise computer software and remove samples of tissue.
Preparation
If you take a blood thinning
medication or aspirin, check with your physician about temporarily
stopping your medication several days before the procedure. (Note:
There is no need to discontinue this medication for ductogram
procedures.)
On the day of your
procedure, it is best to wear a loose blouse and a skirt or slacks, as
you will need to remove the clothing from your upper body for the
procedure.
Exam
When you arrive at The
Breast Clinic, you will be escorted to your own private dressing room.
A specially trained staff member will explain the entire procedure to
you.
Some of the special
procedure exams can take as long as 90 minutes. After your procedure,
you will be given post-procedure care and instructions.
Results
A radiologist will review
your exam images, and tissue samples will be sent for pathology. A
report of the findings will be sent to your health care provider usually
within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure |
