3D™ Breast Biopsy
Eastern Radiologists is proud to offer the area’s first 3D™ breast biopsy. Our new Hologic® biopsy guidance system accurately targets subtle lesions through groundbreaking technology. Hard-to-detect and difficult-to-access cases are simplified, arming our radiologists with better visualization, improved access and easy transitions from screening to diagnostic to interventional procedures.
A new dimension in biopsy.
Our 3D™ breast biopsy technology is truly the first of its kind in eastern North Carolina. Performed in an outpatient setting, Hologic’s Affirm 2D/3D™ breast biopsy guidance system offers greater accuracy and faster procedures at a lower patient dose. It’s the most advanced option available in breast biopsy, providing better access to areas that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to visualize and in the hands of our experienced team of fellowship-trained mammographers, it’s a technology that patients can trust. Eastern Radiologists pairs 3D biopsy with our state-of-the-art 3D mammography™, increasing biopsy precision. Also, used as a screening exam, studies show 3D mammography™ can detect 41% more invasive cancers than 2D mammography. Ask your doctor if 3D mammography™ is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only a small sampling of tissue from the suspicious area will be taken.
According to statistics, more than 80% of breast biopsies are normal.
The radiation dose during a 3D biopsy procedure is actually less than that of a standard X-ray biopsy procedure, because it replaces several 2D imaging exposures with a single 3D imaging exposure.
Biopsy times vary depending on each patient’s situation. Typically, the total time in the doctor’s office for a 3D biopsy is 45 minutes from the time you enter the exam room until you leave. The actual procedure to locate and collect the tissue samples is about 15 minutes. This includes the time it takes for the doctor to remove tissue, which is usually less than one minute.
Each patient is different, but you might feel a slight sting or pinch when the anesthetic is first being administered to your breast. Numbing the breast prior to the biopsy should make the rest of the procedure as pain-free as possible.
Your breast may be slightly tender and you may experience some bruising at the biopsy site. Typically, most women can resume many of their normal activities the same day as the procedure. Your doctor will advise you of post-biopsy procedure care.
We understand the anxiety patients feel about having a breast biopsy. We will do everything possible to make sure the biopsy sample is promptly sent to pathology for analysis so you and your doctor can discuss what additional steps are needed once the results are available. If you have not been informed of your biopsy results within 2 weeks call your referring physician or the Breast Imaging Center at 252.754.5227.
Schedule an Appointment
Please have your doctor schedule your appointment for this service. If you have questions about your appointment or need to reschedule call 252.752.5000. This service is offered at the following location:
Preparing for your appointment
It’s important that we have an accurate health history, including a list of medications you’re currently taking. You must discontinue all aspirin products for seven days prior to your biopsy, regardless of the type. This includes ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.), aspirin (including low-dose aspirin, BC Powder, Bayer, etc.), naproxen, (Aleve, Naprosyn, etc.). All blood thinners such as Coumadin, Heparin, Xarelto and Plavix must be discontinued for at least three days, with approval from your referring physician. Please bring any outside mammograms to your appointment. If you have any questions about medications, please call the Breast Imaging Center or your healthcare provider.
On the day of your biopsy, we would like you to be as comfortable as possible. Please wear your most supportive bra (a sports bra is ideal) and a two-piece clothing outfit. Please do not use powder, deodorant or lotion. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a cloth gown for the procedure. It is not necessary to purchase a bra for after your biopsy. If extra support is needed we may wrap your breast with an elastic bandage. Post biopsy instructions will be explained at the end of your procedure.