Ultrasound Guided Breast Needle Biopsy
Ultrasound is an excellent way to evaluate breast abnormalities that have been detected by mammography, Breast Self-Exam (BSE), or your healthcare provider. However, sometimes it is not possible to tell from the imaging studies alone whether a questionable area is benign or cancerous. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a highly accurate way to evaluate suspicious masses within the breast, that are visible by ultrasound. This method can be indicated even if the questionable area cannot be felt during breast self-exam or by clinical examination.
The Preferred Biopsy Method For Physicians And Patients
An ultrasound-guided biopsy is just as it states - a biopsy performed by using ultrasound to locate the area in question. Unlike procedures that require the use of x-ray, ultrasound-guided biopsy requires no exposure to x-ray. This procedure is very useful when suspicious changes can be seen by mammogram and ultrasound, but no abnormality can be felt during an exam. However, your healthcare provider may decide to use ultrasound guidance for a biopsy even when the mass can be felt. This type of biopsy is a minimally invasive way to obtain a sample of breast tissue for further diagnosis. It is also faster and less painful than traditional surgical biopsy.
There are two methods used to collect the tissue sample:
- Core needle biopsy method—This method uses a hollow core needle. The inside of the needle holds the tissue sample until the needle is withdrawn, and it is placed in a specimen container. This may be repeated multiple times.
- Vacuum-assisted device (VAD) method—When the VAD is used and the needle is in place, a vacuum pulls the tissue into the specimen collector. Once the procedure is complete, the technician will apply pressure to the biopsy site for several minutes. Then, a dressing will be applied.
A Faster, Safer Alternative To Surgical Methods
Your physician will help you determine whether or not this method will be best for your health, but here are a few benefits to consider:
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy reliably provides tissue samples that can determine whether a breast lump is benign or malignant.
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy takes much less time than surgical biopsy, causing less tissue damage.
- Compared to stereotactic-guided breast biopsy, the ultrasound method is faster and avoids the need for radiation exposure.
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is able to evaluate lumps under the arm or near the chest wall, which are hard to assess by stereotactic method.
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is somewhat less expensive than the stereotactic, or surgical method.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
At Valley Radiology, the comfort and health of our patients is our top priority. You can always expect our friendly, knowledgeable radiologists to keep you informed every step of the way. With leading-edge technology and years of experience, we take pride in providing patients in Fayetteville and surrounding areas with minimally invasive, cost-effective, and reliable diagnostic imaging and treatment. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or give us a call at (910) 486-5700.