It’s not always possible to tell from imaging tests whether an abnormal area is benign or cancerous. A biopsy can determine this result. When this area is too small to be felt, an image-guided biopsy is performed, to ensure that the correct area is biopsied. Under local anaesthetic, a small amount of tissue is taken for examination by a pathologist under a microscope.
Ultrasound imaging is used to guide the radiologist to the appropriate site for biopsy.
A localisation device attached to the mammography machine uses either stereotactic or tomosynthesis imaging to guide the radiologist to the appropriate site for biopsy.
Whilst positioned in the MRI machine, MRI imaging is used to guide the radiologist to the appropriate site for biopsy.
These systems use minimally invasive techniques to remove tissue which may previously have required admission for surgery. The technique is performed under ultrasound, stereotactic, or MRI guidance.
For more information see
• MRI breast biopsy
• Ultrasound biopsy
Sometimes an area identified on mammography, ultrasound, or MRI images is of clinical concern. In these cases you may be referred for a biopsy for confirmation of the nature of the abnormality. The result of the biopsy will help to determine whether any further treatment is necessary.