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Hello! I’m Dr. Elissa Price, a radiologist at the University of California San Francisco Breast Care Center. I’d like to talk with you about ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.

Breast lumps or abnormalities are often detected by physical examination, mammography or other imaging studies. However, these tests don’t always tell whether an abnormality is benign. That’s why a breast biopsy is performed to remove tissue samples for examination under a microscope.

An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses ultrasound – or sonography – to help locate the abnormality and remove a tissue sample. Ultrasound uses a probe or transducer to generate sound waves and produce pictures of the inside of your body.

If you’re scheduled for an ultrasound-guided biopsy, there are several things you can do to prepare.

First, leave any jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to wear a gown. Talk to your doctor about any recent illnesses, medical conditions and medications you’re taking, including herbal supplements, and whether you have any allergies, especially to anesthesia. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications before your procedure.

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is less invasive than surgical biopsy. It leaves little to no scarring and can be performed in less than an hour. Plus, the procedure is extremely safe, does not use radiation, and can reliably provide tissue samples to show whether a breast lump is benign or malignant.

For more information about ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, visit Radiology Info dot org.

Thank you for your time!