Did your doctor look at your mammogram report and say that you need a biopsy? It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you hear those words. It's hard not to think, "Oh, do I have cancer?" But before you panic, let's learn exactly what a stereotactic breast biopsy is, how it's done, and whether you should be afraid of it. Once you have a clear understanding of these things, your fear will be greatly reduced.
What is Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?
Simply put, this is a test that uses a special mammogram machine to take a very precise small piece of tissue (tissue sample) from a suspicious area in the breast. Think of it like finding a road we don't know using Google Maps, this machine also uses X-rays to take pictures from different angles and mark exactly where the suspicious area is. Then, a doctor inserts a small needle into the marked area and takes a tissue sample from there.
The most important thing is that the only way to know for 100% certainty whether a lump or change is cancerous or not is to have a biopsy. Mammograms and scans only show suspicious areas.
This method has been used worldwide for over 35 years, is very reliable, and is the best way to confirm whether or not breast cancer is present without major surgery.
What time should this test be done?
Your doctor will only refer you for this test if they see something unusual in your breast during a routine breast ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI scan. That means they suspect it could be cancer. But that's just a suspicion. This biopsy is done to confirm that.
Look at the table below and it will become clearer to you.
| What the scan finds | Simply put, what is it? |
|---|---|
| A lump or tumor | An abnormal lump in the breast that may or may not be palpable and is visible on a scan. |
| Microcalcifications | Tiny calcium deposits in breast tissue. Some of these can form around cancer cells. |
| Changes in breast tissue | Especially if you notice a new, unusual change in tissue in a place where you had previous surgery. |
After this test, if the tissue sample is confirmed to be cancerous, this will help the doctors plan the best treatment for you.
Who is doing this test?
A radiologist, who has received special training for this purpose, performs this test. Then, another specialist called a pathologist examines the tissue sample to see if there are any cancer cells.
How do you prepare for this test?
Before the test, the doctor will ask you a few questions. It is very important to provide accurate information about these things.
- Your medical history: You should tell us about other illnesses you have, medications you take, and any allergies you have, especially to local anesthesia.
- Medications you take: You should tell us about all the medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and even Ayurvedic medications. It is especially important to tell us about any blood thinners , such as aspirin, as this test may cause some bleeding.
- Whether you are pregnant: If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, tell them. This is because X-rays can be harmful to the baby in the womb. There are also some anesthetic medications that cannot be given during pregnancy.
- Have someone to drive you home: Although most people are able to drive after the test, it's normal to feel a little tired and anxious after doing something like this. So it's a great relief to have someone you trust drive you home.
What should you do on the day of the test?
Expect the entire procedure to take about an hour, but the biopsy itself will only take a few minutes. Keep these things in mind:
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes. This will make it easier to change into a hospital gown.
- Bring a tight, supportive bra (like a sports bra) to wear after the test.
- Do not apply anything to your armpits or breast area, such as deodorant, powder, or lotion. These can interfere with the clarity of the X-ray images.
- Be prepared to remove all metal jewelry such as glasses, earrings, and necklaces.
- You will be advised not to shower for 24 hours after the test. Be prepared for that too.
What happens during the test?
This is the part that most people are afraid of. But there's really nothing to be afraid of. You're awake the whole time, but you don't feel any pain because your breasts are numb.
Here's how the test works:
1. Position: You will be placed face down on a special examination table. There is a hole in the table where you can place your breast. Then, two sheets will be used to hold your breast in place so that it does not move. (Some people have difficulty lying face down, but there are machines that allow you to do this while sitting. If you have any difficulty, tell your doctor in advance.)
2. Scanning: The bed is raised, and the machine takes X-ray images from different angles and sends them to the computer. The computer calculates the exact location for the biopsy.
3. Numbness: The doctor will clean your breast with an antiseptic and inject a local anesthetic. It will feel like a small prick, similar to the way your gums are numbed before a tooth is extracted.
4. Taking the sample: After the breast is numb, a very small incision is made in the skin and a biopsy needle is inserted. A vacuum-assisted device (VAD) attached to the needle applies pressure to quickly take several tissue samples. You will also be given more numbing medicine at this time. Several samples can be taken through the same small incision.
5. Inserting the clip: The needle is removed and a very small metal clip is inserted to mark the spot where the sample was taken. This is very important. If you have to have another surgery or test in the future, this will help you find the exact spot.
Don't be afraid of this clip at all. You won't feel it, it won't harm your body, it won't be picked up by metal detectors at airports, and it won't interfere with an MRI scan in the future.
Finally, a bandage or bandage is applied to the area to stop any bleeding. An ice pack may also be applied to reduce swelling. After that, another soft mammogram is done to make sure the clip is in place.
What happens after the test?
After resting for a while, you can go home the same day. The area where the test was performed may be slightly bruised and blue, slightly swollen, and painful to the touch. However, these things will usually heal completely within a few weeks.
If you have pain, take a painkiller as prescribed by your doctor. Applying ice for 20 minutes on and off for 20 minutes for the first few hours is great for reducing swelling. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the next 24-48 hours .
When will the results be available?
It usually takes a few days to a week for the results to come back. Before you go home, ask your doctor or staff how long it will take to get the results and how you will get them.
We know that waiting for these results can be a very difficult and stressful time, but try to stay as calm as possible.
The most important thing is, definitely remember this:
In most cases, these biopsies are negative . A recent survey found that less than 30% of people who undergo these tests are diagnosed with cancer. So don't panic and lose hope.
What time should I call the doctor?
If you have any problems with the wound healing after the examination, you should inform your doctor. Be aware of the following symptoms.
| Sign to pay attention to | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased swelling | If the swelling does not go down after the first few days and instead increases. |
| Bleeding or other fluid | If there is continued bleeding or pus-like fluid coming from the biopsy site. |
| Redness, pain, or warmth | If the biopsy site becomes red, painful, or feels warm to the touch (these may be signs of infection). |
It's natural to feel scared when you're told you need to have a biopsy. But remember, this is done to dispel any doubts you may have. Most of the time, the results will be "no cancer." You'll feel a great sense of relief. Even if cancer is confirmed, a test like this can detect it at an early stage . Then, the chances of a complete cure are much higher.
Take-Home Message
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is a very accurate and safe test to determine whether or not a breast is cancerous.
- Being referred for this test does not mean you have cancer. Most people's results come back negative.
- You will not feel any pain during the examination because your breast will be numbed.
- Before the test, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners .
- If the result is cancer, early detection is crucial for successful treatment. So don't be afraid to get tested.
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