While an image-guided biopsy approach may vary based on the clinical finding, it is the only certain way to diagnose breast cancer without surgical biopsy. CIRA radiologists are experts in the full array of image-guided biopsy approaches used today including stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound biopsy and MRI breast biopsy.
A stereotactic breast biopsy is performed when a mammogram shows micro-calcifications, a suspicious solid mass not seen on ultrasound, a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue, an area of abnormal tissue change and a new mass or area of calcifications present at a previous surgery site. CIRA’s women’s imaging specialists use either a core needle method or vacuum-assisted device to aid in the collection of samples.
Radiologists often use ultrasound- or MRI-guided breast biopsy when a breast ultrasound shows a suspicious solid mass, a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue and an area of abnormal tissue change. CIRA’s women’s imaging experts use ultrasound or MRI guidance in four different biopsy procedures: fine needle aspiration, core needle, vacuum-assisted device and wire localization, in which a guide wire is placed into the suspicious area to help the surgeon locate the lesion for surgical biopsy.