Biopsy question

Wxnerd

I finally had my diagnostic mammogram yesterday after waiting two months aftermy screening mammogram. I haven’t seen the results but the dr called and said he wants me to have a biopsy. I saw today that he had put in an order for a stereotactic biopsy but I was scheduled for an ultrasound guided biopsy. What is the difference? Again, I haven’t seen the report but I’m assuming it’s the suspicious calcifications that we’re seen on the screening mammogram.

Should I be concerned that I was scheduled for a different kind of biopsy than what was ordered?

B-A-P

I believe a stereostatic biopsy is done while in the mammogram machine. That's what I had done. They Lay you on your side and put your breast in between the plates like a mammogram . They take pictures so they can see the area they are biopsing , then they numb the area, small incision, and then use the biopsy needle to get a few samples. They then take an x ray of the sales to make sure they got it, and off you go. I suppose Ultrasound guided is similar I imagine as it uses an imaging machine to get to the area of concern. Probably no numbing and different needle. I have had both done

Hope this helps

SUPer52

Like BAP said, the stereotactic biopsy is done using the mammogram machine. Depending on where your area of concern is, an ultrasound-guided biopsy might be more comfortable for you, but it is my understanding that calcifications don't necessarily show up on ultrasound. For peace of mind, you may want to call and ask just to be sure you were scheduled for the correct procedure if it is calcifications they are looking at. If they can see the area of concern with ultrasound, that should be a more comfortable procedure. Not that the stereotactic procedure is painful, it can just be uncomfortable to be squished in the paddles while the radiologist pulls out the tissue samples to biospy, especially if your suspicious area is in an awkward spot. You should receive an injection of lidocaine for either procedure so that you are numb when the radiologist inserts the needle to take out the sample(s). Good luck to you. Hoping your biopsy results are all good! .

Here is a link to a good explanation by the Mayo Clinic of the different types of breast biopsy procedures: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-biopsy/about/pac-20384812

MelissaDallas

Yes, you need to get it clarified. It matters. Simplified version: If it can be seen on ultrasound that is an easier biopsy, but if they are trying to biopsy calcifications which don’t show on ultrasound it needs to be stereotactic

Wxnerd

Thank you all for your replies. Since the biopsy isn’t scheduled until the end of the month, I’ll wait until the report is posted and see if there is and clarification there