Looking for information on unfamiliar biopsy technique...

[Diane H]

Hello, Am looking for info on a biopsy i just found out I need to have on a new .4cm lump in "good" breast. Dr. says I will be lying on a table with holes for the breasts to hang out and the dr. will be assisted in finding the lump to biopsy with some form of radiology? Am apprehensive as to pain, accuracy, (my original diagnosis biopsy came back as a false negative) and also have heard from time to time that biopsys can actually spread cancer cells? Thanks for any information you can share, Hugs, Diane

[Mary Jo]

From what you describe it sounds like a stereotactic biopsy. You lay on your stomach (kind of off to your side) - your breast hangs down and the area in question is looked at on x-ray film to guide them to the area. A small (about 1/4 inch) incision is made - you are numb and there is no pain - and a "gun type" instrument is used to take out samples.

Good luck and I hope all turns out well for you.

Mary Jo

[Caroline UK]

I'm wondering also if it might be an MRI-guided biopsy? I had a dye injected into a vein and then an MRI where I laid on my stomach, with holes in the 'table' for my breasts. In my case, it was a more accurate way of seeing smaller scattered tumours throughout the breast, after mammogram and biopsies and ultrasound had shown some but not all of them. It was all painless.

About the risk of spreading any possible cancer cells by actually doing the biopsy, I think this is a known risk but they must feel the potential benefits far outweigh the risks.

Best wishes with it all