Breast Needle Biopsies at Santa Barbara Women’s Imaging

Radiologists interpret screening and diagnostic mammograms, tomosynthesis, ultrasound and MRI examinations. In a small percentage of cases, imaging is not enough to determine whether something can be safely watched and a biopsy is recommended. Breast needle biopsies are performed by extracting a small amount of tissue using imaging as guidance.

All biopsies are performed in the same manner: the skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic, the target is found by imaging, a needle extracts the tissue and a small titanium clip is placed to mark the site of biopsy. Biopsies are safe and relatively non-invasive compared to surgeries that used to be performed to make a diagnosis.

Our Breast Biopsy Services:

• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy 
• Ultrasound-guided Breast Biopsy 
• MRI-guided Breast Biopsy