Stereotactic biopsy

Star13

Will be having a stereotactic biopsy soon so I have reading up about the procedure and have read that it is not recommended for very small breast. I am a very small size A. Would this not be a good option for me, should I inform my surgeon maybe he forgot how small I am when he called to tell me I need to get this done. If so, what are my other choices? I am having it done for microcalcifications.

juneping

I haven't heard about small breast can't do stereotactic biopsy...I am a A and had it done. It's bit uncomfortable

Star13

Ok, read that on a couple places online and was wondering if I would be wasting my time. Thanks!

Star13

Forgot to ask.... Does the radiologist do the procedure or my surgeon. Not that it matters just curious, guess I would feel more comfortable with my surgeon doing it since I know him.

Star13

Just realized I put this in wrong category... Should be not dx yet. Sorry!

Beesie

Hopefully it will turn out to be "not dx at all"!

I'm small breasted and I've had a couple of stereotactic biopsies as well as an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. How feasible it is really all depends on where the area of suspicion is located within the breast. If the area of suspicion is right up against the skin, or tucked against the chest wall, then a stereotactic biopsy can be problematic. But this is true even for women who are large-breasted.

If a stereotactic biopsy has been recommended by the surgeon, then I would assume that the surgeon thinks it can be done.

Star13

Thanks Beesie... Scared to get it done. Going to wait until after the holidays.

cactus

Star13, I'm small breasted too, and had my first stereotactic biopsy a few months ago, for an area of microcalcifications.

I think stereotactic tables vary, but the one at my facility had a one very large hole, instead of two holes for the breasts. Because my area of suspicion was along the chest wall, it was a little more problematic, as Beesie said. They had me hang one arm and shoulder down into the large hole, and that way they were able to get a good view of the area they needed. It was definitely an odd position, but doable.

In my town some radiologists do the stereotactic biopsies, and a few surgeons do their own. My general surgeon did mine, with the help of the mammographer from my hospital. I think it can go different ways depending on the doctors and facilities. Your doctor should be able to tell you how they plan to do it.

Fingers crossed your biopsy goes well, and comes back with benign results. Enjoy your holidays!

Star13

Thank you Cactus!! It uncomfortable enough getting a mammo , can't wait until I can put this behind me.