Breast Biopsies

If your physical examination, mammogram or ultrasound yields an abnormal finding, a breast biopsy may be recommended. A breast biopsy is a procedure to collect tiny samples of your breast tissue that will be studied under a microscope. Some biopsies can be performed in a physician’s office, while others need to be done in a hospital setting. This outpatient procedure requires minimal preparation and recovery time. Most biopsies do not result in cancerous findings.

The type of biopsy you undergo depends on many factors and will be decided by you and your physician. It is likely that your procedure will be performed using one of two common imaging systems in breast biopsy, both of which are done at CVMC:

1. Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
   Ultrasound-guided biopsy uses an instrument that sends out sound waves and a computer to make pictures of the breast lump. A doctor can use this method to guide a needle into very small tumors or cysts.
2. Mammogram-Guided Stereotactic Biopsy
   A stereotactic core needle biopsy uses x-ray equipment and a computer to analyze the pictures taken by the x-rays. The computer then pinpoints exactly where in the abnormal area the needle tip needs to go.

For detailed information about both of these procedures, click here.

The following is a list of surgeons who perform breast biopsies (and breast cancer surgeries) at CVMC:

• David Butsch, MD
• Mark Crane, MD
• Mike Mason, MD
• Ed Ziedins, MD