Breast Biopsy in Shelbyville
Helping Women Take Control of their Breast Health
For women in Shelbyville who need further analysis of breast tissue than
what can be provided by a mammogram, it may be necessary to have a breast
biopsy done. During a biopsy, a very small piece of breast tissue is removed
to be examined further in a lab setting later. The Women’s Health
Center at Major Health Partners has been providing caring service to our
Shelbyville community for decades. Our team has the tools and experience
to make the process as fast and comfortable as possible.
How are Biopsies Performed?
A biopsy is an outpatient procedure that is usually finished in less than
15 minutes. Once patients are registered in our system, the actual process
takes only seconds. The procedure requires tissue from the breast, and
there are a few ways of obtaining a sample.
Biopsy samples can be obtained by:
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Fine-needle aspiration—Aspiration is the drawing out of fluid from an area by using a thin
needle. Doctors will use an ultrasound device to guide the needle toward
the area in question, then withdraw fluid to be taken and examined by
a pathologist later. As this thin needle is the least invasive, anesthesia
may not always be used. Samples are collected within seconds.
-
Stereotactic (Core-needle) biopsy—Stereotactic breast biopsies use mammographic x-rays to locate and
target the area of concern and to help guide the biopsy needle to a precise
location. This technique helps ensure that the area that is biopsied is
the exact area where the abnormality was seen on the mammogram. It is
called stereotactic because it utilizes two images taken from slightly
different angles of the same location.
-
Surgical biopsy—Rather than using a needle to obtain a tissue sample, surgical biopsy
may put patients under general anesthesia to administer a slightly larger cut.
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Ultrasound core biopsy— An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses sound waves to help locate
a lump or abnormality in the area of concern and remove a tissue sample.
How to Prepare for a Biopsy
As with any visit to a doctor, it is important that patients mention any
medication they may be taking at the time to prevent any reaction with
the anesthesia. It is also better to wear a top that is easy to remove.
If your doctor believes you need a breast tissue biopsy, call the Women’s
Health Center at Major Health Partners to schedule an appointment with
our caring staff.