A core needle breast biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of breast tissue for  pathological testing. A breast biopsy might be recommended if you have a suspicious area in your breast with symptoms suspicious for breast cancer. It can also be used to investigate unusual or suspicious findings on a mammogram, ultrasound or other breast exam such as contrast-enhanced mammograms or MRI of the breast

The results of a breast biopsy can show whether the area in question is breast cancer or if it's not cancerous. The pathology report from the breast biopsy can help determine whether you need additional surgery or other treatment.

A vacuum-core needle breast biopsy is preferred as it obtains a larger and more representative tissue sample compared to a standard core needle biopsy, leading to a more accurate diagnosis, especially for complex or subtle breast lesions, while being minimally invasive and causing minimal scarring; this often eliminates the need for a surgical biopsy for benign finding.

Dr. Coste is able to perform both in-office ultrasound-guided vacuum core needle biopsy of suspicious mass on breast ultrasound. She can also perform a  vacuum core stereotactic-guided  biopsy at the Dorothy Mangurian Women’s Health Center, which uses mammogram, instead of ultrasound, to obtain the breast tissue sample.   

What to expect: After local anesthesia is placed prior to the area of concern. A small skin incision is made through which the core biopsy needle (typically 9 to 14 gauge [approximately 2.1 mm outer diameter]) is introduced and shortest path to the lesion is typically chosen. Once the biopsy is complete, a titanium clip is placed and a post-biopsy mammogram is performed to ensure correct clip placement. Pathology is reviewed in 5-7 days and a diagnosis is provided in office with Dr. Coste.

Sometimes a fine-needle or core-needle  biopsy is performed if there are suspicious lymph nodes on imaging, which can help determine if there is any cancer spread to the lymph nodes.

If you need a breast biopsy please call our office to be schedules as soon as possible.