Breast Biopsy

Hearing that you need a breast biopsy can be scary and overwhelming. At Delaney Radiology, our experienced team of radiologists, physician assistants and technologists are here to ensure that you are receiving the best care and to answer any questions that you have. It’s important to understand that having a biopsy doesn’t always mean that you have cancer. A biopsy is an exploration of tissue to evaluate any abnormalities. In most cases, these abnormalities are not cancer, but a biopsy is important to determine that.

Our providers perform several types of image-guided breast biopsies including Ultrasound, Mammography or MRI guided biopsy. Our clinical team reviews each case thoroughly and chooses the best method of biopsy.  In many cases your image-guided biopsy is determined by how your abnormality was originally found.

Delaney Radiology offers breast biopsy services at our office at 1025 Medical Center Drive. These minimally invasive procedures are performed in an outpatient setting. From arrival to departure, your time at the office shouldn’t exceed more than a couple hours.

Types of Biopsies & Aspirations

  • Stereotactic: Biopsy method using imaging and a vacuum assisted device, usually performed under mammography. This biopsy can take multiple samples with one point of insertion. A small metal clip, or breast marker, is placed in the sampled area. This marker is visible on X-rays, allowing for easy identification in future procedures.
  • Core Needle: Biopsy method using a needle with a hollow core to collect tissue samples. A small metal clip, or breast marker, is placed in the sampled area. This marker is visible on X-rays, allowing for easy identification in future procedures.
  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Biopsy method using a thin needle and syringe to obtain fluid or cells from the area of concern

Breast Biopsy Frequently Asked Questions

You will be awake during the biopsy. Lidocaine is used to numb the area being biopsied, so you shouldn’t feel pain. However, you may feel a slight pinch and stinging from the anesthetic. After the area is numbed, you may feel pressure during the procedure. Some bleeding may occur any time the skin is penetrated.

You are welcome to bring a support person with you to the appointment, but they will not be allowed in the procedure room.

On the day the sample is taken, it is sent to a lab where a pathologist accesses and determines results. We understand how anxious you may be to get answers so we do everything possible to expedite the pathology process. Results can take up to 3-7 business days.

The first step is biopsy. This will determine what next steps are needed and who will decide those. Once the pathology results are received, our radiologists will review and share those results with you and discuss what next steps should occur.

You will have a bandage over the biopsy site with an ice pack. You may experience minimal post procedural bleeding and bruising. Expect the site to be sore for several days. You will also be given aftercare instructions to take home with you. 

Metal clips, or breast markers are placed in a biopsied area to allow for easy identification on future imaging. Although it is possible for them to move, they are designed to stay in place.

There will be at least two technologists and one clinician in the room. One of our skilled physician assistants or radiologists will be the provider performing the biopsy.

Breast Health Definitions

Click here for a list of helpful breast health definitions.

Learn More

For further detail about stereotactic breast biopsies, visit the RadiologyInfo Stereotactic Breast Biopsy page.