Our highly trained and skilled radiologists perform several breast-related procedures at our Hayward hospital facility. The procedures are performed with either regular mammogram, ultrasound, or stereotactic guidance.

Breast biopsies can be performed either with ultrasound guidance, if the abnormality can be seen with ultrasound, or with stereotactic guidance, if the abnormality can only be seen on the mammogram. Although there are differences between these two types of biopsies, the basic procedure is the same. The skin is sterilized and numbed with lidocaine, a small incision is made, and then a needle is inserted through the incision to obtain samples. Firm pressure is applied during and following the procedure to minimize bleeding and the risk of developing a hematoma (localized blood clot). A small bandage is applied to the skin following the biopsy. Side effects are usually minimal, and can include pain and bruising. We recommend limiting strenuous activity for 24-48 hours following the biopsy, applying an ice pack intermittently the remainder of the day, and taking Tylenol as needed for pain. Aspirin and aspirin-like products such as Motrin, Advil, and Alleve (which thin the blood) should be avoided for 5 days before the biopsy and 3-5 days after the biopsy to minimize the chances of bleeding.

Cyst aspirations are performed with ultrasound guidance, if your doctor or the radiologist recommends the procedure, or for painful, recurrent cysts.

If you will be having a surgical breast biopsy, sometimes the surgeons will ask us to place a wire into the breast before surgery to help localize an abnormality. This can be performed with either ultrasound or mammogram guidance, depending upon which modality the abnormality is seen on.

Breast lymphoscintigraphy is performed when your surgeon wishes to evaluate sentinel lymph nodes at the time of your surgical biopsy or lumpectomy. Small amounts of a radiotracer dye are injected into your breast. This is sometimes performed without guidance, and sometimes with mammogram or ultrasound guidance. The dye often results in mild burning which is temporary.

Image-Guided Breast Biopsy

Image-Guided Breast Biopsy - Spanish