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Stereotactic breast biopsy is the latest technological advance
in breast cancer diagnosis, used in place of surgery to determine
whether a mammographic abnormality is benign or malignant.
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast
Center is the first
facility in New Jersey -- and the fifth in the United States --
to be accredited by the American College
of Radiology for stereotactic
breast biopsy.
The state-of-the-art outpatient procedure is performed in a timely,
minimally invasive and practically painless way.
It involves obtaining a tiny sampling of breast tissue with an
X-ray-guided needle that is controlled by a computer with pinpoint
accuracy. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to one hour
to complete and is done under local anesthesia. In most cases, results
are available within 24 hours.
The tiny incision resulting from the procedure heals without a
scar.
If your physician has recommended that you undergo a stereotactic
breast biopsy based on the findings of your mammogram, the following
information is intended to help you better understand what to expect
before, during and after the procedure.
Although you do not need to fast before the procedure, and you
may eat a light breakfast, coffee is not recommended, unless it's
decaffeinated.
Discontinue the use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, such as Motrin, Advil or ibuprofen, for at least three days
before the procedure is performed. All other medications should
be taken as prescribed.
On the day of your visit, please arrive on time to change your
clothes before the procedure. Wearing a comfortable two-piece garment
is suggested, and a gown will be provided.
It also is recommended that you do not apply any deodor- ant,
powder, lotion or lubricant to the underarm area. Ice will be applied
by the technologist to a portion of your breast prior to the procedure
to minimize discomfort, bleeding and bruising.
So that a stereotactic breast biopsy can be performed, you will
be asked to lie face down on a specially designed table with your
breast placed through an opening in the tabletop.
The table then will be raised so that the radiologist and technologist
can perform the procedure from beneath.
A radiologist fellowship-trained in breast imaging, performs a
stereotactic breast biopsy as technologist Barbara Thorne talks
with the patient. Monmouth Medical Center is the only hospital in
New Jersey and one of five facilities nationwide to receive American
College of Radiology accreditation for stereotactic breast biopsy,
an advanced procedure used in place of surgery to determine if a
tumor is cancerous.
Your breast will be compressed and held in position, as several
sets of X-rays are taken. During this time, the radiologist will
ask you to hold your breath.
A small needle placed into the skin of the breast is used to anesthetize
it. After a tiny incision is made in the skin, the sampling needle
attached to a gun device then will be placed in the breast to remove
tissue -- a procedure that may cause a slight pressure but should
not cause pain.
As the samples are taken, you may hear a series of clicks coming
from the specially designed biopsy instrument as it removes between
three to five samples that are about three-fourths of an inch long
and one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter. Laboratory tests will
be performed on these samples for diagnosis.
During the entire procedure, you will be informed by the radiologist
and technologist about what is occurring and what you can expect
next. After the Procedure
Because some minimal bleeding usually occurs where the needle
was placed, pressure will be held over the area which will then
be bandaged. A mammogram will be performed after the biopsy to document
that the sampling of the abnormality was successful and to establish
a new baseline now that a portion of the abnormality has been removed.
The bandaged area must be kept dry for 24 hours. After that time,
you may shower and replace the surgical bandage with an adhesive
bandage. You may take a nonaspirin pain reliever every four to six
hours to help alleviate any discomfort. Some women find a hot, dry
compress soothing. If bruising occurs, it should disappear within
five to seven days. If you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding,
drainage, redness or warmth originating from the area, please call
your physician or The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast
Center at 732-923-7700.
The results of your stereotactic breast biopsy should be available
within 24 to 48 hours. Either the radiologist or your physician
will notify you with the results at that time.
For additional information about stereotactic breast biopsy, call
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast
Center at Monmouth
Medical Center at .
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