Stereotactic devices differ by imaging modality analog vs digital , calculation of coordinates manual or digital , and type of needle fine-needle aspiration biopsy or vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy. Patient position depends on the equipment. In the prone position, the patient lies face down on a special bed with the breast protruding through a hole in bed surface. However, in the sitting upright position, the patient is in front of the equipment and can see the needle.

Diagnosis of breast cancer



Breast Biopsy (x-ray guided - Stereotactic )
A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells—either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle—from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. Stereotactic breast biopsy is an x-ray procedure that uses multiple coordinates to precisely determine the location of a tumor or nodule so that a tissue sample may be obtained. Image-guided needle biopsy is not designed to remove the entire lesion, but most of a very small lesion may be removed in the process of biopsy. Image-guided biopsy is performed when the abnormal area in the breast is too small to be felt, making it difficult to locate the lesion by hand called palpation. Your doctor will wipe the area with rubbing alcohol or iodine. In most cases, you will receive an injection of local anesthetic to numb the area of your breast where the needle will be inserted. Your doctor will hold the lump steady with one hand and insert a thin needle attached to a syringe into the lump.


Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biopsies, including stereotactic, ultrasound-guided , MRI-guided and excisional breast biopsy. This article focuses on stereotactic breast biopsy, which uses mammography to help pinpoint the spot in the breast that needs to be removed. You are most likely asked to lie facing down on the biopsy table.



During a stereotactic breast biopsy, your breast will be firmly compressed between two plates. X-rays mammograms are used to produce stereo images — images of the same area from different angles — to determine the exact location for the biopsy. A sample of breast tissue in the area of concern is then removed with a needle.