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Early Detection — Biopsy

Fine Needle Biopsy: Non-palpable Mass
If an area of concern has been detected by an imaging device (mammogram or ultrasound) and it is non-palpable, an ultrasound will be used to aid the extraction of cells for study. Sometimes a stereotactic biopsy machine will be used to locate and extract cells as shown at left and described below.

1.

While you are lying down, your breast is held still in a stereotactic biopsy machine.

2.

Ultrasound or a mammogram is used to locate the lesion. A very thin needle removes a few cells from the area. This may be repeated more than once.

3.

Once retrieved, the cells are examined under a microscope by a cytologist or pathologist. These specialists are looking for abnormalities in the size of the cell or appearance of the nucleus.