Stereotactic Needle Biopsy

A stereotactic needle biopsy, also called a stereotactic core needle biopsy, is a medical test to remove a piece of tissue from your body. The tissue is then tested to find out what it is. Imaging, like a mammogram, x-ray, MRI, or CT is used during the biopsy to see where the mass or lesion is.

When is a stereotactic needle biopsy done?

Stereotactic needle biopsies are often used to biopsy these parts of the body:

• Breast.
• Brain.
• Lung.
• Liver.

Stereotactic biopsies use only small incisions (cuts) in the skin. They are used often and leave little to no scarring.

How do I prepare for a stereotactic needle biopsy?

If you are on blood thinners, you may need to stop them a few days before the test. Tell your provider about all medications and herbal supplements you take.

How is this test done?

Stereotactic needle biopsies can be done as an outpatient procedure (you will not stay overnight in the hospital) or inpatient procedure (you will stay overnight in the hospital). This depends on the area of the body being biopsied. Here is what you can expect during the test:

• You will be sitting or lying down depending on the area being biopsied.
• Local anesthesia, like lidocaine (numbing medicine), is used to numb the testing area. General anesthesia may be used.
• Imaging with a mammogram, x-ray, MRI, or CT scan will be used to find the mass.
• Sometimes a small cut is made in the skin or a small hole is made in the skull before the biopsy needle is put in.
• The needle is put into the area being tested, and tissue is removed. This may be done a few times to make sure there is enough tissue for testing.

The insertion of the needle takes only a few minutes and the whole test can take 30-60 minutes.

What should I expect after my stereotactic needle biopsy?

You may be asked to limit heavy activity for a day or two. Once the numbing medication wears off or when you wake up from the anesthesia, you may have some discomfort. You may also have bruising, swelling, or a small amount of bleeding at the biopsy site. If your biopsy was done in your brain, you may also have a mild headache.

In some cases, a pocket of blood, or a hematoma, will form at the biopsy site. This can be uncomfortable but should get better over the next few days. If you have severe pain, you should call your provider right away.

How do I get the results of my stereotactic needle biopsy?

The tissue sample is looked at by a pathologist and a report is written. The report will give your provider information about all the findings. Your provider will talk about your results with you.