Mammography Needle Localization/Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Needle Localization- is a type of breast biopsy that takes approximately 1 hour to perform and is done in the mammography suite. You will sit in a chair and have your breast compressed with a special paddle. This paddle has an opening in which the localization needle can be placed directly into the area of interest in the breast. Once the needle is inserted, images will be taken to verify placement of the needle. A guide wire (a thin wire with a hook on the end) is inserted through the needle. The wire remains in the breast as the needle is removed. Images will be taken again for verification of placement. The guide wire is then taped to your breast and you will then be transported to surgery.

• Preparation- Your surgeon or physician will inform you of pre op instructions.
• Length of exam- The needle localization will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to perform. You will then go to surgery.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy- is a type of breast biopsy that is performed with a special breast imaging machine. You will be taken to the stereotactic mobile unit and asked to remove your clothes from the waist up. You will lay on a table on your stomach with the affected breast carefully positioned on the table. The technologist will position your breast like a mammogram. Images will be taken in several positions and at different angles. If the images show that the breast is in the correct position, the surgeon will proceed with the test. The surgeon will clean the breast and a tiny incision will be made. The needle will be inserted into the incision and samples will be taken of the breast tissue. The samples will be xrayed on the mammography machine to determine if the areas of interest are present.
The surgeon will hold pressure on the incision site for approximately 10 minutes and butterfly stitches are placed on the breast. The patient is wrapped with a mastectomy wrap and a cold compress is applied. The patient is then ready to leave.

• Preparation- Your surgeon or physician will inform you of the pre stereo instructions.
• Length of exam- The stereotactic breast biopsy will take approximately 1 to 2 hours to perform.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for education purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.