400 Patroon Creek Blvd., Suite 104, Albany, NY 12206 | (518) 239-5200 Request an Appointment
Biopsy
In a Core Needle Breast Biopsy (CNB), an Akira of Albany radiologist will take a tiny tissue sample from the breast for further, more detailed analysis.
The procedure is minimally invasive. As the name suggests, there is a needle involved (generally speaking, not something you'd be thrilled about having your breast poked with), but the area is numbed beforehand, and most people report little pain during the procedure or after.
We offer two types of breast biopsy: stereotactic and ultrasound. The difference is what imaging device is used to guide the radiologist performing the procedure. In a stereotactic breast biopsy, x-rays are used. An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses ultrasound imaging.
What to Expect at Your Breast Biopsy
The Day of Your Exam
Ready to go?
No special dietary prep necessary
Please wear comfortable clothes–including a sports bra.
When you arrive and check-in, please share any questions or concerns, big or small, with Akira staff. That's why we're here.
Your Breast Biopsy Procedure
We'll get you comfortable. You'll need to change into a gown. So you'll have to undress from the waist up.
A tech will accompany you to the examining room. Inside, they'll help position you so that whichever guidance technology your radiologist recommends can provide a clear view.
When we've located the best area to take the tissue sample from, we numb the breast with a local anesthetic.
The procedure can take from 20 to 60 minutes.
After Your Breast Biopsy
You'll be provided with special care instructions and recommendations for treating the affected area.
Breast biopsy results generally take between 5 and 12 days, so before you leave we’ll schedule a follow-up to discuss your results if necessary.
In most cases (80%) biopsies are negative. If this is true for you, no immediate follow-up is necessary–we’ll call to discuss your results and cancel your scheduled appointment.
If the test reveals reason for concern, you’ll meet with our radiologist and a nurse navigator to walk through the results. We’ll talk about the next steps together, and your nurse navigator will guide you through a plan of action.
