What Is a Stereotactic Needle Biopsy?
A stereotactic needle biopsy is a type of breast biopsy which is conducted with the assistance of mammography to ensure that the biopsy sample is taken from the correct location. This procedure takes place in the radiology suite at a hospital or a clinic, and is usually performed by a radiologist who has specialized experience and training. It takes around an hour, and results can take a few days to several weeks, depending on whether the biopsy sample needs to be sent out for examination or not. In a stereotactic needle biopsy, the patient remains awake while the breast to be biopsied is given a shot of local anesthetic. The patient lays on an exam table outfitted with a mammography machine, and several images are taken of the affected area. Then, a core needle or vacuum assisted biopsy device is placed, using the images to ensure that the tip of the needle is in the suspect area so that a useful sample is taken. Commonly, several biopsy samples are taken.
