Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is performed when a mammogram shows a breast abnormality such as:  

• A suspicious solid mass  
• Microcalcifications, a tiny cluster of small calcium deposits  
• A distortion in the structure of the breast tissue  
• An area of abnormal tissue change  
• A new mass or area of calcium deposits is present at a previous surgery site 
   

The surgeon or radiologist removes some cells to get a small sample of breast tissue, which a pathologist then examines for diagnosis. This type of breast biopsy uses digital mammography images to help guide the physician to place the needle in the area of interest. In addition, in causing less scarring, it also causes less distortion of the breast tissue, which helps with the interpretation of future mammograms. The recovery time is brief, and patients can resume normal activities in a short amount of time.