Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

An ultrasound guided biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample from an area of abnormality identified on a mammogram or breast ultrasound procedure.

During an ultrasound guided biopsy:

1. You will be asked to lie on your back on the examination table with your arm extended behind your head while a warm gel will be applied to your breast. The gel helps the sound waves travel from the machine into your breast tissue.
2. A transducer, which is a small microphone-like device, will be placed on your breast. This will be painless, however, you may feel mild pressure from the transducer.
3. The technologist will locate the lesion to be biopsied for the radiologist.
4. The radiologist will numb the area to be biopsied with an injection of local anesthetic into your breast, using a small needle. You may feel a slight sting in your breast at the injection site.
5. After the local anesthetic has taken effect, the radiologist will insert the biopsy needle into your breast and samples will be taken.
6. When the radiologist confirm that all the correct samples have been retrieved, a titanium clip will be deployed into the biopsy site to mark it in future mammograms.
7. Ultrasound images will be obtained to confirm location of the clip.
8. Pressure will be applied to the biopsy site and a sterile dressing will be applied.