Breast Biopsy or Aspiration Biopsy

This page includes general information about what you can expect before, during and after your exam. For more specific information about your appointment and results, please contact the local center where your appointment is scheduled.

A breast biopsy or aspiration biopsy is performed using a hollow needle and image-guidance to remove small samples of breast tissue or cells through the skin to evaluate for abnormal cells or cancer. Our radiologists use image-guidance to ensure accuracy during the biopsy, which could include: Ultrasound, Stereotactic (x-ray) or MRI.

Exam Preparation

A representative from our center will call you prior to your appointment to provide you specific instructions, and review health and insurance information. Be sure to eat a light meal before your procedure.
A representative from our center will also provide instructions for your ongoing use of medications. You may be asked to stop blood thinners, such as Aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix. Contact your doctor prior to discontinuing any medications.
Bring prior mammograms, ultrasounds, or scan results with you to your exam, if instructed.
Please notify a member of our staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to verify your registration.
For your comfort and safety, please consider bringing someone with you to your biopsy procedure to drive you home.

During the Exam – What to Expect

The technologist will position you for easiest access to the area.
The skin will be swabbed with a cleaning solution.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
Images may be taken before, during and after your exam. Ask your exam technologist what you should expect.
A thin, hollow needle will be inserted through the skin to the biopsy site. The needle may be inserted more than once for positioning, or to obtain multiple samples.
Once the needle is in the proper position, a small amount of tissue will be removed for examination by a pathologist.
A tiny tissue marker is usually placed in the breast to mark the biopsy area. You will not be able to feel the marker, but it will show up on future mammograms.
A breast biopsy procedure typically takes about 30 – 90 minutes, depending if ultrasound, stereotactic or breast MRI is used.
A mammogram is usually performed after your procedure to check the biopsy site and marker placement.

After the Exam – What to Expect

Ask a member of our staff for more specific information on when and how you will receive your results. However, in general you can expect:

Pressure will be applied to your biopsy site after the procedure, and you will be monitored for bleeding or other complications.
A Steri-strip will be applied on the skin and a light gauze will be placed over the biopsy area. You will be given follow-up instructions.
You will most likely experience some bruising in the breast.
Talk to the staff at the center where your biopsy was performed to find out how and when you will get your results.
Once the test results have been completed and confirmed, your doctor will inform you if any further breast care follow up is required.

If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local imaging center.

To find out if the center nearest you offers this exam, go to the “Our Centers” section of this site.