Valley Radiology Consultants

MRI-Guided Biopsy

 

An MRI-guided biopsy is performed when an abnormality is seen within the breast on a breast MRI (but cannot be seen on the mammogram or ultrasound). One of out specialty trained radiologists uses the MRI to guide the breast biopsy.

 

Similar to a breast MRI, the patient will be lying prone (face down) on the MRI table and her breast will be placed gently though an opening in the table. A series of MRI images are then obtained to localize the area of concern within the breast. Once this area is located, the skin is sterilized and cleaned. A small amount of local anesthetic is then used to numb the area of concern within the breast. After the numbing medication is administered, the procedure is painless (only a small amount of pressure will be felt). The biopsy device will then be placed within the breast and the biopsy will be performed. The tissue will be immediately sent to the pathologist and the results are typically available within 3-5 days. The total time for the procedure is about 1 hour.

 

MRI-guided breast biopsies are currently performed at our Poway office.