Has a doctor ever told you that you need to have a breast biopsy? It's normal to feel a little nervous when they say that. But don't worry. Most of the time, this is done to confirm what exactly it is if there is any doubt. Today, we will talk about this special test called a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy. We will talk about everything in simple terms, such as what it is, how it is done, and what we need to know.
What is this (Stereotactic Breast Biopsy)?
Simply put, a stereotactic breast biopsy is a special procedure that involves taking a small piece of tissue from your breast if there is something suspicious. It uses a special mammogram machine to find the exact spot where the tissue needs to be taken. You may also have heard it called a tomosynthesis-guided biopsy. A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to take pictures of your breast. These pictures are used to find any abnormal tissue, or "suspicious" areas, that could be cancerous.
In a ``biopsy``, a healthcare provider, usually a doctor or a trained nurse, removes a piece of suspicious tissue. It is then sent to a lab to be tested for cancer cells. The only way to know for sure whether someone has cancer is to do a ``biopsy.``
This method, known as ``Stereotactic Biopsy'', has been around for over 35 years. It is a very reliable and minimally invasive way to determine whether someone has breast cancer.
Why is this (Stereotactic Biopsy) performed?
If your doctor finds something abnormal, such as a lump in your breast, during an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, he or she may order a stereotactic biopsy. Although these imaging tests may show abnormalities in your breast, only a stereotactic biopsy can tell for sure whether it is actually a sign of cancer, a benign tumor, or something else.
You may need to have a stereotactic biopsy if these things are found on an imaging test:
- A lump, or a `(tumor)`.
- If there are small deposits of calcium, they are called ``microcalcifications.'' These look like small grains of sand.
- Changes in your breast tissue (especially where you have had previous surgery).
Imagine, if this test confirms that the piece of tissue taken contains cancer, this Stereotactic Biopsy will help your doctor plan the treatment you need.
Who is doing this test?
This ``Stereotactic Breast Biopsy`` test is performed by a radiologist who has received special training in the field. Then, a separate specialist doctor called a ``pathologist`` examines the tissue sample under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.
How does this test work?
Simply put, a stereotactic biopsy uses a special mammography machine to find the exact location of the suspicious tissue and provide guidance for the biopsy. Imagine this machine taking X-rays of your breast from different angles and sending the information to a computer.
The radiologist then selects the abnormal area to be biopsied. Based on that, the computer makes calculations and helps the radiologist direct the biopsy tool to the exact spot. The radiologist then uses the tool to collect samples from that area.
Throughout the entire exam, the radiologist uses this technology to ensure that they are taking samples from exactly the right place and that they have collected enough tissue to obtain an accurate result.
How do I prepare for a Stereotactic Biopsy?
Your doctor will ask you a few questions to make sure you can have this test safely and on time. These are:
- Your medical history: This includes your family's (biological) medical history, past and present illnesses, and treatments you've had. If you have any allergies, especially to local anesthesia, you should tell your doctor .
- Medications you take: You should tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements. This test carries a risk of minor bleeding, so it is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about whether to stop or continue taking your medications before the test.
- Pregnancy: You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This is because exposure to too many X-rays can be harmful to the unborn baby. Also, some local anesthesia medications are not recommended during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant, there are alternatives that are safe to use. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to do this if you are pregnant.
It's also a good idea to ask a friend or family member to drive you home after the test. While most people are able to drive after a stereotactic biopsy, having a test to check for cancer can be a very stressful and emotional experience. So it's a great help to have someone you trust with you.
What should I expect on the day of the test?
Expect the entire procedure to take about an hour, but the biopsy part will only take a few minutes. Keep these things in mind on the day of your biopsy:
- Wear clothes that you can easily change into, because you will be given a hospital gown to wear.
- Bring a sports bra that is tight and supportive to wear after the test.
- Do not apply deodorant. Also, do not apply lotions or powders to your armpits, arms, or breasts. They can distort the X-ray and affect the results.
- Be prepared to remove glasses, dentures, jewelry including earrings, or other metal objects. These can also interfere with the X-ray.
- Remember that you will be advised not to shower for 24 hours after the test.
What happens when a stereotactic biopsy is performed?
You will be awake throughout the entire test, but you will not feel any pain because your breast will be numb.
- You will lie face down on an examination table. This table has a hole in it that your breast can go through. Your breast will be held in place by two plates. *(Sometimes if you have difficulty lying face down, there are machines in some places that can do this while you are sitting. So tell your doctor if you have any difficulty before the biopsy.)*
- Then the table is raised so that the doctor can easily reach your breast. Once you are positioned correctly, the machine takes X-rays of your breast from different angles and sends the information to a computer. The computer determines where to take the biopsy.
- Then, the healthcare provider will clean your breast with an antiseptic or soap and inject a local anesthetic to numb the breast. You may feel like you are being bitten by a small ant.
- After your breast is numb, your doctor will make a small incision in your skin and insert a biopsy needle. A vacuum-assisted device (VAD) attached to the needle will apply pressure to quickly remove tissue. You will be given more numbing medicine while the sample is being taken. Several samples can be taken from the same small incision.
- Then they remove the needle.
- The doctor will insert a small metal clip into your breast to mark where the tissue was taken. This will help if you need to have further tests or surgery in this area in the future. You won't feel the clip, and it's completely safe. It won't set off metal detectors, and you can have MRIs.
Then, a healthcare provider will press down on the biopsy site to stop any bleeding. They will cover it with gauze or a bandage. They may also apply an ice pack to help reduce swelling.
Finally, a mammogram is performed on your breasts, and the radiologist makes sure that the biopsy clip is in the right place.
What should I expect after the test?
You may need a little rest before you go home, but you can go home the same day. You may have some bruising, swelling, and some soreness. But these usually get better within a few weeks.
If you have any discomfort, your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever. Keep an ice pack on the area for the first few hours after the biopsy (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off). You will be given further instructions on how to care for the area.
It is best to avoid strenuous activities for 24 to 48 hours after the biopsy. Most people can resume normal activities after this time, but some may need a little longer. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for yourself while you recover.
What are the risks of this test? Are there any side effects?
Stereotactic biopsy is a safe procedure. However, as with any procedure that requires incisions, there are some risks, such as bleeding, fluid or blood collection, and infection. However, these are very rare.
How painful is a Stereotactic Biopsy?
Most people do not feel any pain during the test because of the anesthesia. You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the anesthetic is given. You may feel pressure when the biopsy needle is inserted.
Some people may experience more pain or discomfort than others. For example, if you have dense breast tissue, or if the tumor is directly behind a sensitive area like your nipple, you may be more likely to experience pain or discomfort during the biopsy.
Often, the discomfort is caused by staying in the same position for hours at a time. For example, when you sit face down at a desk and turn your head to one side, you may develop a stiff neck.
What kind of results are obtained, and what do those results mean?
The radiologist or your family doctor will tell you whether you have cancer (`positive` or `negative`). If the results are inconclusive, you may need to have more tests. Follow your doctor's instructions about what to do next.
When will I know the results of the test?
Results can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Before you go for the test, ask your doctor how long it will take to get the results and how they will be communicated to you.
How many cancers can be detected with a stereotactic biopsy?
It's normal to feel scared when you're told you have to have a stereotactic biopsy. This means that a test has already found "suspicious" tissue. However, many biopsies – including stereotactic biopsies – come back negative. A recent study found that less than 30% of people who have a stereotactic biopsy are actually diagnosed with cancer.
So don't be afraid. This is just to confirm.
When should I call the doctor ?
If you see any signs that the biopsy site is not healing properly, talk to your doctor . You should let your doctor know if you have any of the following:
- If the swelling does not go down (or increases).
- It is okay if there is blood or fluid (like pus) coming out of the biopsy site.
- If the biopsy site is red, painful, or feels warm.
Being told you have to have a stereotactic biopsy can be stressful, because it means you have "suspicious" tissue in your body that could be cancerous. But the most important thing to remember is that this test is still done for diagnostic purposes. Many people – even those with "suspicious" results – will never be confirmed to have cancer. If that's the case, a stereotactic biopsy can help ease your fears. On the other hand, if you do have cancer, it can help find it sooner. This can make treatment more effective.
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so now you have a good understanding of what we've been talking about (Stereotactic Breast Biopsy). In short:
- This is done by taking a small piece of tissue from a suspicious area of the breast to see if it is cancerous or not.
- This is done with the help of a ``mammogram'', which is done under anesthesia, so it doesn't feel much pain.
- Most of the time, the results come back negative.
- Even if there is cancer, it is easier to treat because it can be detected early.
Therefore, if a doctor asks you to do such a test, don't be afraid of it, ask for the necessary information, and face it with a calm mind. The most important thing is to take care of your health.
` Breast cancer, biopsy, stereotactic biopsy, mammogram, breast health, cancer detection, women's health
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