The Cancer Care Center

Breast Biopsies

You may have felt a lump, or been told by your doctor that you need a biopsy. At St. Anthony’s Cancer Care Center our breast surgeon, Sarah Snell, MD, is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who has the experience and expertise you need. She will explain everything you need to know so you can go into the biopsy process feeling confident.

Biopsy Procedures for Breast Cancer

Stereotactic breast biopsy

If an abnormality is detected during one of the imaging tests, you may undergo a stereotactic breast biopsy. This is performed using local anesthetic, meaning you are awake during the procedure but the area is numbed. During a stereotactic biopsy, your doctor makes a small cut in your breast. A special machine helps guide the needle to the exact location of the mass and the doctor uses the needle to remove a sample.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy

This is also performed while you are awake, using a numbing medication at the site of the incision. The ultrasound machine helps guide the doctor to find the exact site of the abnormality. Your doctor may need to biopsy several different areas, and may place a small needle into the mass in order to mark the area.

Following a biopsy, you do not need stitches. Your breast may be sore. You should avoid heavy lifting and use acetaminophen for pain relief.

For information about St. Anthony's Cancer Care Center - St. Louis, please call 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit find a physician online.

At St. Anthony's, our vision is to be the area's premier health care organization
— and your first choice for health care services.