Breast abnormalities can be biopsied at Breast Center of New England using ultrasound and mammograms. Dr. Lizer will decide the way to perform each biopsy based on the easiest way to see the abnormality, as well as what’s most comfortable for the patient. Breast biopsies are done under local anesthesia. One to two technologists are present during the biopsy to assist Dr. Lizer and keep each patient comfortable throughout. Most biopsies are quick– usually 20 minutes – and results take 3 to 5 business days. You can eat before your biopsy, take all your medications, and expect to be done in about 20 – 30 minutes once we get started. Most women bring a support person with them on the day of their biopsy.

STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY

A stereotactic biopsy is a type of needle biopsy that uses mammogram images to guide your breast imager to an area that’s abnormal, usually calcifications, architectural distortion (when breast tissue is pulled, appearing like an asterisk), or an asymmetry (a new area of white on a mammogram, or something that’s asymmetric to the opposite side). At Breast Center of New England, stereotactic biopsies are performed with patients seated upright and fully awake.  We use local anesthetic to numb up the biopsied area and take small pieces of tissue out. There are no stitches, and results are available within a week.

ULTRASOUND GUIDED BIOPSY

An ultrasound guided biopsy is a type of needle biopsy that uses ultrasound to guide your breast imager to an area that’s abnormal, usually a duct or a mass. This type of biopsy is performed with a patient lying flat or rolled at an angle on the ultrasound table. The area that needs to be biopsied is numbed with a local anesthetic, and small pieces of tissue are taken out to be further evaluated under the microscope by a pathologist. The biopsy takes about 20 minutes.