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This is a common procedure performed to further evaluate areas in the breast seen with a sonogram.
Cyst aspirations can be performed for cysts which have a complex appearance such as a thickened wall, material floating within the cyst, or nodularity or irregularity. Aspirations can also be performed for palpable cysts which are painful, to relieve the discomfort. Occasionally the fluid will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Biopsy procedures are commonly performed for solid lesions which need a tissue diagnosis. After local anesthesia is given, several needle samples of tissue can be taken while the radiologist watches on the screen to assure the correct area is being sampled. The specimens obtained are sent to the laboratory for the pathologist to study under the microscope.
At Memorial Medical Center, we perform about 550 sono guided procedures a year. We usually have a report within two days if a sample is sent to the laboratory. As with any type of biopsy, it is best to be off aspirin and other blood thinners for the test.
Please see the section on “Stereotactic Core Biopsy” for information regarding what happens prior to and after the procedure.