The needle is inserted and a minimum of five core samples of tissue are withdrawn for histologic study. The patient lies face down on the padded stereotactic table, with the breast positioned through a contoured cutout in the table. Because sedation is no t required, the patient is awake and able to communicate with medical personnel, but is not able to view the procedure, which takes place under the table. There are no significant complications. There is some bleeding, which is easily controlled.
Infection is a theoretical concern, but no incidents have been reported.
He added that stereotactic needle biopsy avoids incision and the potential trauma of the surgery, is less expensive, and can usually be scheduled sooner, reducing the patient's period of anxiety. Michael H. Torosian, MD, surgical oncologist, explained that the traditional method for obtaining a definitive diagnosis of a nonpalpable lesion is surgical biopsy. If the mass is malignant, he discusses options with the patient before performing addition al surgery - usually a lumpectomy or a modified radical mastectomy. In some cases, even benign lesions need to be surgically removed, depending on the results of the histologic study. At Penn, radiologists and surgeons work together to select appropriate patients for stereotactic needle biopsy.