Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy FAQs

• How should I prepare for a stereotactic breast biopsy?

  • If you take Warfarin or blood thinning agents, please inform our staff.
  • Our team will provide any specific instructions at the time of booking and these should be followed carefully.
  • Please shower before the appointment and we ask that you refrain from using deodorant, antiperspirant, talcum powder, perfume or lotions, as this can interfere with the quality of the images.
  • Please bring any previous examinations performed outside of Queensland X-Ray with you. If you have had your previous mammograms with us, we will have your images stored.
  • Please arrive early for your appointment as you will need to change into a gown. We recommend wearing a separate top and bottoms during your appointment as this makes changing for the examination easier.
  • On arrival, please present to reception. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your medical history.
  • Although not essential, we recommend you have an appointment one week after your period has finished, as this is when your breasts are less tender.

• What will happen during my appointment?

  • Your breast will be compressed firmly, similar to a mammogram, and in most cases, you will be lying down for the procedure.
  • You will be kept as comfortable as possible as it is very important you stay still throughout the procedure. The imaging system uses a series of coordinates to pinpoint the precise location of the area of concern. If you need to cough or sneeze please let the staff know to ensure your position does not change.
  • Local anaesthetic will be injected in the skin to numb part of the breast in order to minimise discomfort during the procedure. 
    A small incision is made into the skin and the biopsy needle is inserted into the breast.
  • A mammogram image is taken to ensure the needle is in the correct position to obtain the tissue sample.
  • Several samples will be taken however the needle only needs to be placed in the breast once, from this multiple samples can be taken.
  • Once the needle is removed, pressure will be placed on the incision site for 10 minutes to reduce bruising.
  • Depending on the lesion to be biopsied, a marker clip may need to be placed at the site of the sample area. This is inserted to enable future localisation.
  • The samples will be sent to pathology and you will receive a separate account from the pathology provider. The results will be sent to your referring doctor and you will need to contact them directly to obtain the results of this procedure. 

• How long does a stereotactic breast biopsy take?

  A stereotactic breast biopsy procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. 

• What to expect following a stereotactic breast biopsy

  After the biopsy, the skin site will be cleaned and a waterproof dressing applied. You can leave Queensland X-Ray once your biopsy site has been checked by a staff member (usually 10-15 minutes after the procedure). We recommend you limit your activities to light duties for two days following your biopsy. While the procedure is generally safe, there are some potential risks you should be informed of.

  The risks include:

  • Pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site.
  • Bruising at the needle insertion site or deeper in the breast.  
  • Swelling or tenderness in the breast.
  • Local infection which may involve redness/swelling and increasing pain after 48 hours. Fever and chills need to be promptly reported to your referring doctor. Infection is a rare complication. 

• Technology and Team

  A radiographer or mammographer, who is a trained medical professional, will perform your mammogram.

  All of our radiographers who perform mammograms are female.