What to Know About Having a Biopsy

Each year, millions of Americans are referred for a biopsy to analyze something that an initial exam or test reveals may be abnormal.

A biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of affected tissue, whether via a needle, small incision or more-invasive excisional biopsy, depending on the area of concern. The tissue sample is sent to a pathologist, who scrutinizes it for evidence of cancer, infection, inflammation, an autoimmune disorder and/or other conditions. Obviously, this can be a stressful time for patients waiting for answers, making speed and accuracy of paramount importance.

Image Guided Breast Biopsy
One of the most commonly performed biopsies is image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) of the breast, which in the US now exceeds a million annually. CNB is used to collect samples of suspect tissue revealed during routine screening mammography or other breast imaging procedures. Not too long ago, most breast biopsies were excisional, meaning the irregular mass was surgically removed along with a significant amount of normal surrounding tissue. Since 55-85% of breast biopsies show no malignancy, clearly this approach was less than perfect. Thanks to great advances in radiological imaging technologies, CNB has become the gold standard in breast biopsy, nearly eliminating the need for excisional biopsy along with the related physical and emotional toll it took. Sophisticated image guidance enables your radiologist to view the area under investigation in great detail and in real time, so the needle can be guided to the exact target for sample collection with minimal invasiveness, discomfort or disruption of your day.

What is the Best Image Guidance for Breast Biopsy?
There exist a number of highly accurate image guidance systems for breast biopsy, but one of the best is MRI guided breast biopsy. MRI provides excellent 3-D-quality detailing of soft tissues, so your radiologist can determine the exact location of any cells requiring analysis. Unlike some tests, MRI doesn’t produce ionizing radiation, making it among the safest imaging technologies available today. Apart from an IV injection of contrast dye to enhance details, MRI is completely painless and noninvasive, and requires no sedation.

How is MRI Guided Breast Biopsy Performed?
Your highly-trained radiologic technologist will have you lie face-down on a customized table with your breasts positioned in the two openings, which contain specialized imaging coils. The breast being imaged is gently compressed to keep it still during imaging. For several minutes, the MRI will create a series of tapping sounds as it takes multiple images from various angles. After the first set of images is captured, you will receive an injection of contrast material called gadolinium to highlight breast anatomy and tissue and assess blood flow for the next set(s) of images. Your Board-certified RAO radiologist will use sophisticated computer software to create a precise 3-D map for targeted sample collection, ensuring utmost speed and accuracy. The surface of the skin is treated with a local anesthetic so the biopsy needle can easily be directed to the point of concern. The vacuum-enhanced needle rotates to collect multiple samples throughout the area without needing to be reinserted, for maximum efficiency with minimal invasion.

Breast MRI biopsy typically takes about 20-40 minutes. After it’s over, the area will be treated with sterile gauze and an ice compress to reduce swelling. No stitches are required for breast MRI biopsy, only simple bandaging. Though you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after your procedure, you can otherwise go about your day as normal.

Where Can I Get MRI Breast Biopsy?
RAO’s Women’s Imaging Center is Marion County’s only radiology center that provides MRI core needle breast biopsy. Luckily, many out-of-network insurance carriers cover this test with a clinician’s referral. Your procedure will be performed by one of our breast imaging subspecializing radiologists, for optimal accuracy and speedy communication with your doctor.

If you or a loved one needs a biopsy, you have a choice of providers. Ask your clinician about RAO, or call us at 352-671-4300. We’re here to deliver unparalleled assistance, experience and compassionate care.

Radiology Associates of Ocala
352-671-4300 | www.RAOcala.com