Stereotactic Breast Biopsy at FDRMC
You've had your annual mammogram, and your doctor has recommended a breast biopsy. Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center offers stereotactic breast biopsy, a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision in the breast. This allows a hollow needle to pass through to remove tissue samples from the target area.
This procedure has several important patient advantages beyond a traditional surgical biopsy, including:
- Less pain. A stereotactic biopsy requires only a needle insertion, instead of the larger incision used in a surgical biopsy.
- No general anesthesia. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia injected into the skin.
- Convenience. While a surgical biopsy typically requires a hospital stay, a stereotactic biopsy is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- No scarring. This procedure usually does not result in scar tissue, which can block the effectiveness of future mammograms.
- Cost. The cost of a stereotactic biopsy is just 30 to 50 percent of the cost of a surgical biopsy.
