Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women behind lung cancer. However, many cases of breast cancer are curable if caught early. Mammography has been proven to be the best tool in detecting breast cancer early and therefore offers the best chance at preventing death by detecting the tumor before it has a chance to spread. Mammography also sometimes detects areas in the breast that may look suspicious but are not cancer. It can be impossible to differentiate these from cancer without further investigation. This investigation can include additional mammogram pictures, breast ultrasound, and even biopsy. Statistically, 80% of breast biopsies turn out to be non-cancerous. In the past, all biopsies for mammogram abnormalities were performed as surgical procedures in which the skin was opened and a portion of breast tissue was removed.
Procedure Description
Minimally invasive breast biopsy was developed in the 1980s.This technique allows for a highly accurate diagnosis through 5mm (1/4 inch) incision without the need for open surgery (other names for this type of biopsy are stereotactic biopsy, Mammotome biopsy, and vacuum assisted breast biopsy). A minimally invasive biopsy allows the tissue in question to be removed through a needle attached to a vacuum device. The needle is guided precisely to the abnormality using digital mammography (a mammogram obtained with computer techniques). The needle placement is confirmed to be in accurate position by the images, assuring the highest accuracy possible. The vacuum allows the abnormal area to be sampled without disturbing the normal surrounding tissue. The tissue can then be examined by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present. A tiny marker clip may be placed at the time of the biopsy to mark the site of the biopsy. Most women are candidates for this minimally invasive breast biopsy and thus have options when selecting a biopsy procedure.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does the procedure take?
Typically about 45 minutes to an hour for the entire process. The biopsy itself takes only minutes.
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Am I put to sleep?
No. That is one of the advantages of minimally invasive breast biopsy. Local anesthesia is used so that you do not feel pain during the procedure. As soon as the procedure is finished, you are able to leave since you don’t have to recover from deep anesthesia.
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Will my insurance cover this procedure?
Medicare and most insurance providers do cover this procedure. It typically costs less than a breast biopsy performed in the operating room.
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What are the benefits of this type of biopsy compared to a surgical biopsy?
The incision is much smaller, usually only 5mm (1/4 inch) in length. The recovery time is much shorter—most women are back to their routine activities the day following the biopsy. While there may be temporary bruising, there is typically no scarring with the minimally invasive biopsy.
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Are there medicines that I should not take before the procedure?
Yes, anything that will thin your blood and make you more likely to bleed, such as: Coumadin, aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxin, Motrin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS).
W. Kent Davis, MD
Neuroradiologist
- Medical Director, Raleigh Radiology Cedarhurst, Clayton, Wake Forest, and Brier Creek
- BS, Duke University
- MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Internship in internal medicine, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore
- Resident in radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
- Member, American Society of Neuroradiology
- Native of North Carolina
Expertise in head, neck, and spine imaging; breast imaging and breast intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1990
Julia K. Taber, MD
Women’s Imaging Radiologist
- Chief of Radiology at Rex Hospital
- BS, Brown University
- MD, Duke University Medical School
- Internship in internal medicine, New York Hospital
- Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in mammography and pediatric radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Member, Society of Breast Imaging
- Member, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
- Women’s Imaging Radiologist
Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, and pediatric radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993
Jennifer S. Van Vickle, MD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- Head of Ultrasound at Rex Hospital
- BA, University of Chicago, M.Div and Th.M, Duke University
- MD, Duke University Medical Center
- Internship in internal medicine, Duke University Medical Center
- Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in abdominal imaging and mammography, Duke University Medical Center
- Native of Missouri
Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal and pelvic imaging, including CT, ultrasound, and MRI
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002
Gintaras E. Degesys, MD
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
- BA with high honors, Kenyon College
- MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Internship and chief resident, Northwestern University
- Fellowship in interventional and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
- Certificate of Added Qualifi cations in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
- Native of Ohio
Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, breast intervention, and abdominal imaging and intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002
Laura O. Thomas, MD
Abdominal Imaging Radiologist
- Head of Rex Breast Care Center at Rex Hospital
- Radiologist Recruiter
- BA, Princeton University
- MD, Duke University Medical School
- Internship in internal medicine, UNC Hospitals
- Chief resident, Duke University Medical Center
- Fellowship in women’s and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
- Native of Missouri
Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal imaging, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2003
REX MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES PREP / PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time to register. The Rex Breast Care Center is located in the Medical Office Building on Rex Hospital's campus which is easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Road entrance to REX.
STEREOTACTIC BREAST BIOPSY
- Do not take any aspirin or blood thinners 5 days prior to biopsy.
- Wear a two piece outfit (you will only be asked to undress from the waist up). Wear no deodorant, powder, perfume or cologne.
- You may eat and drink before your procedure. However, be careful of how much you drink due to the fact that you will be on the table for approximately 45 minutes. Once we have you on the table, you will be unable to get up to go to the restroom.
- Please bring any recent mammogram and breast ultrasound studies with you on the day of your appointment if they have not already been sent in preparation for your exam. We must have these studies to do biopsy.
You will be lying on your stomach for this procedure. You will have to step up 2 steps to climb onto the table. If you think you cannot do this, please let us or your doctors know in advance of this procedure.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Plan on being at REX for approximately 11/2 -2 hours.
ULTRASOUND GUIDED BREAST BIOPSY
Do not take any aspirin or blood thinners 5 days prior to biopsy.
Please bring any recent mammogram and breast ultrasound studies with you on the day of your appointment if they have not already been sent in preparation for your exam. We must have these studies to do biopsy.
If you have questions or concerns about your test: please call Rex Breast Care Center at (919) 784-6186.
If there is a need to reschedule your exam please call:
Rex Diagnostic Services Centralized Scheduling at (919)784-3419.
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