Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous.
A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells—either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle — from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. Image-guided needle biopsy is not designed to remove the entire lesion, but most of a very small lesion may be removed in the process of biopsy.
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy can be performed when a breast ultrasound shows an abnormality such as:
- a suspicious solid mass
- a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue
- an area of abnormal tissue change
There are times when your doctor may decide that ultrasound guidance for biopsy is appropriate even for a mass that can be felt.
Diagnostic Imaging Services performs breast biopsy at our Eastbank facility in Metairie.
For women who have their mammograms and breast ultrasounds completed at DIS, it’s great to have their breast biopsy also completed here. There is no need to go elsewhere or to the hospital, where for those with insurance deductibles, this same test results in much higher fees that are not covered by the insurance plan. Same test. Same, if not better, quality. Lower cost — and the critical results are provided to the doctor.
Click here to view a five minute presentation provided courtesy of the American College of Radiology.