Valley Radiology Consultants

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy

 

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is performed when an abnormality is seen by ultrasound. The area of concern is localized with the ultrasound machine and one of our specialty trained radiologists uses the ultrasound images to guide the biopsy. An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a simple, outpatient procedure that does not require the use of compression or radiation.

 

Similar to a breast ultrasound, the patient is lying on her back. The area is first sterilized and cleaned. A small amount of local anesthetic is used to numb the area of the breast. After the numbing medication is administered, the procedure is painless (only a small amount of pressure will be felt).  The Radiologist will then use a biopsy device to obtain tissue from the abnormal area in the breast. The tissue will be sent to the pathologist immediately and results are typically available within 3-5 business days. The total time for this procedure is about 15 minutes.