ST. PETER’S HOSPITAL

317 South Manning BoulevardSuite 305 | Third FloorAlbany, New York 12208

518-525-7536

www.sphp.com

ST. PETER’S HOSPITAL

Stereotactic Needle Biopsy

For More InformationIf you have questions, please feel free tocall the Breast Center at 525-7536 from7 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.To make an appointment, please call theDepartment of Medical Imaging at 525-1401between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday throughFriday.

Where Do I Need To Go?St. Peter’s Breast Center is located on thethird floor of 317 South Manning Boulevard,Suite 305. For a map and directions, visitwww.sphcs.org/mapdirections or call (518) 525-7536.

What is Stereotactic Needle Biopsy?Stereotactic needle biopsy is a method ofremoving tissue from an area of concernin the breast using only a needle. We usethe most modern in digital, computerizedtechnology to accurately sample the area.The tissue can then be reviewed in thepathology laboratory to determine if thearea is innocent (benign) or could repre-sent cancer (suspicious or malignant).

Why Have A Stereotactic Needle Biopsy?In the past, the only way to tell if a mass was or wasnot cancer was to obtain a tissue sample with asurgical biopsy, which involves cutting into the breast.

Today, St. Peter’s Breast Center performs a biopsywith the most accurate, image-guided, minimallyinvasive techniques. A needle biopsy obtains tissuewithout cutting into or scarring the breast. Sincemost breast masses are not cancer, the use of breastneedle biopsy can help a woman avoid unnecessarysurgery. Stereotactic breast needle biopsy is a safe,effective and accurate way to diagnose breastproblems. We review the pathology results for ALL ofour needle biopsy patients and correlate them withthe imaging findings to ensure accuracy.

The procedure is performed using our highlyadvanced digital biopsy table and special needles forobtaining breast biopsy specimens. We were the firstfacility in the Capital Region to be fully accredited inall needle biopsy techniques for the breast, includingstereotactic needle biopsy.

What Can I Expect?The procedure will be fully explained to you, and youwill have a chance to have any questions about theprocedure answered. You will then be asked to signa consent form to proceed.

You will be lying on your stomach on ourstereotactic biopsy table, which is specially designedfor breast biopsy only. A radiologist will do theprocedure, assisted by a mammographytechnologist. The area of concern will first be locatedwith digital mammography, and measurements willbe taken to ensure that the biopsy can be safelyperformed. Your skin will be cleaned with surgicalsoap, and the breast will be numbed with lidocaine(similar to that used for dental procedures). A tinyskin opening is made to insert the needle, and itsposition will be continuously checked with digitalimaging. A number of samples will be taken from

the area to ensure that enough tissue is madeavailable to the pathologist. At the end of theprocedure, an ice pack will be applied to thebiopsy site to minimize bleeding. When theprocedure is complete, a dressing will be placed onthe skin and you will be given instructions on thecare of the biopsied area.

The entire procedure can take as little as one hour.After the procedure, you may have some soreness or a bruise, and you will need to avoid strenuousactivity for the rest of the day.

How Do I Prepare?It is extremely important that you inform the technologists or radiologist if you have anyallergies, have any bleeding problems or are takingmedications. If you regularly take aspirin or othermedications that can promote bleeding, we needto know in advance of the procedure. Forexample, if you are taking Coumadin® (warfarin),we may have to modify the procedure.