“Can a biopsy be done through an imaging scan?”
I have a lump in my right breast. Does a biopsy have to be done surgically? Can it be done through an imaging scan?
4 Answers
Yes, if you can see it with an MRI or ultrasound, you can use that to guide the biopsy.
Yes, I perform numerous breast biopsies each week either using stereotactic device which is X-ray based, usually for calcifications, and ultrasound guided for solid and cystic lesions. In general, in 2018, we perform the biopsy prior to surgery so that surgery may not be necessary based on the biopsy result. There are certain lesions where surgery is the first course, but these are rare.
A breast lump should first undergo diagnostic imaging to determine if it is suspicious or not suspicious. Standard of care for biopsy of a suspicious breast lump is by imaging guidance if it can be seen (preferably by ultrasound as no radiation is used, by stereotactic/tomographic approach which uses radiation like a mammogram if not seen on ultrasound, or by MRI if not seen on ultrasound or mammogram) and its position is accessible. If not, surgical biopsy would be appropriate.
Yes, of course.
