New Jersey Breast Biopsy

Further Examination for Breast Abnormalities

Sometimes the breast imaging specialist discovers findings which are suspicious enough to warrant a breast biopsy. If a biopsy has been recommended, do not panic. Breast imaging specialists recommend biopsy on any lesion that has a greater than 3% chance of being cancer. Most lesions that require biopsies can be performed without a trip to the operating room.

At AMI, our breast imaging specialists perform minimally invasive breast biopsies. You are given local anesthesia to numb the area. The biopsy is performed through a small skin incision, and you will leave in approximately two hours with only a band-aid. You can resume normal activity the following day. Tylenol and ice packs can be used for any discomfort.

What to Expect

There is not much preparation for breast biopsies. You will need to inform the person scheduling your breast biopsy of any allergies you have and also if you are taking any type of blood thinning medications (i.e. Warfarin). As part of the preparation you should refrain from applying any powder or lotion to the breast or chest area and do not use underarm deodorant.

Breast biopsy can be performed by three different methods depending on how the area in question can best be seen. The three methods performed at AMI are by:

ultrasound guidance
tomographic guidance (utilizing the mammography machine)
MRI guidance.

Prior to having the biopsy, the procedure will be thoroughly explained to you and time is allowed if you have questions for the radiologist. You will need to allow approximately two hours from the time you check in for your procedure until the time your procedure is complete. The results of the breast biopsy will be communicated to you by our radiologist.