Mammography and other breast imaging services are excellent ways to detect abnormalities in the breast, but in order to determine conclusively that a tumor is benign or cancerous, a tissue sample must be collected for microscopic examination. Surgical biopsies can be painful, leave scars and make future mammograms hard to read. Stereotactic breast biopsy is a less invasive outpatient option, allowing patients a quick diagnosis with less pain, less money and more accuracy.
During the procedure, special breast X-rays help pinpoint the exact location of the abnormality in the breast. The computer translates this information to the biopsy instrument, which is a vacuum-assisted device (VAD) that consists of an inner needle with an overlying sheath. After the hollow needle is guided into the suspicious area of the breast, a vacuum pulls a small amount of breast tissue up into the needle, while the outer sheath cuts the tissue. While the needle is inserted only once, six to 12 samples are usually collected during the procedure. No scar is left by the incision, and most women report little or no pain.
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a simple procedure that can often provide a diagnosis without the pain or inconvenience of surgery. However, it may not be recommended for all types of breast lumps.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Locations: 
Dorothy G. Hoefer Comprehensive Breast Center at Port Warwick, Newport News
Sentara WIlliamsburg Comprehensive Breast Center
Sentara Leigh Comprehensive Breast Center, Norfolk Sentara Norfolk Breast Center
Sentara Obici Breast Centerl, Suffolk
Sentara Virginia Beach Breast Center – Sentara Princess Anne
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital Breast Center For more information about stereotactic breast biopsy, visit RadiologyInfo, a public information Web site developed and funded by the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America.