Breast Biopsy
A Critical Tool in Diagnosing Suspicious Lumps
Hackensack Radiology Group offers same-day breast biopsies for palpable lumps or mammographic/ultrasound findings that require additional evaluation.
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the US, and can develop at any period of a woman’s life. If you or your doctor feel a suspicious thickening or lump inside of your breast, a breast biopsy may be appropriate to find its cause.
How Does It Work?
You will be awake and alert for the entire procedure, and will be able to return home the same day, without a lengthy stay or recovery. The exam is done with local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort. A very small incision is made in the skin, and a thin needle is inserted to collect a sample of fluid or tissue from the lump or mammographic abnormality. Our biopsy procedures are done under direct ultrasound-guidance, to ensure the most accurate sampling possible. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it will be analyzed.
The type of breast biopsy performed may depend on the type of lump or imaging findings. At New Century Imaging (Oradell), we The type of breast biopsy performed may depend on the type of lump or imaging findings. At New Century Imaging (Oradell), we perform ultrasound-guided breast biopsies. We can also coordinate your care, from start to finish, should you need another type of biopsy:
- Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy
- Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- MRI-guided core needle biopsy*
- Stereotactic biopsy*
*available at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Do I Need a Breast Biopsy?
Doctors will recommend their patients to undergo a breast biopsy under the following circumstances:
- Suspicious findings detected on an imaging test (mammogram, ultrasound, or breast MRI)
- A recently discovered breast lump or mass
The majority of lumps felt in the breasts are benign. However, because benign lumps and breast cancer cannot be distinguished based on the way they feel, many of these will require a biopsy, depending on the diagnostic imaging workup (mammography, ultrasound, etc.).
The Advantages of Breast Biopsy
Early detection and diagnosis saves lives. Breast biopsy can play a critical role in that process, and is an important part of comprehensive breast care. Some of the advantages of breast biopsy include:
- Same-day, outpatient procedure
- Can often be performed on the same day that an abnormality was detected, facilitating rapid turnaround and diagnosis
- Done with local anesthesia; no recovery necessary from general anesthetic sedatives or narcotics