Breast Biopsy

Types of Biopsy Procedures

Because breast abnormalities are found using different types of imaging, different types of biopsies are needed based on each patient’s unique circumstances. Our caring physicians and staff take every step, including proper medication, to mitigate any pain or discomfort you may experience, and are available to answer any questions or address concerns you may have regarding these procedures.

Our comprehensive Breast Biopsy services offers multiple systems and technology that allow early detection and precise treatment plans for patients, including:

Breast MRI and Breast MRI Biopsy

Performed on our high-field Open Bore MRI located adjacent to the Breast Center, this Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) technology is for women at high risk for developing breast cancer. Breast MRI and MRI-guided biopsy is a powerful tool for breast-cancer screening which helps patients get earlier and more precise treatments.

3D Breast Tomosynthesis Biopsy

We have recently expanded our range of imaging solutions for breast health by offering the 3D tomosynthesis breast biopsy. This procedure is offered in conjunction with the 3D Mammography. We are proud to be the first hospital in Orange County to implement the biopsy capability with 3D Breast tomosynthesis.

The 3D breast biopsy procedure is designed for the localization and accurate targeting of specific areas in the breast and is especially important for targeting areas not always detected in 2D images or when using other technologies. This new biopsy technique has numerous advantages over traditional stereotactic biopsy procedures, including faster targeting, reduced patient procedure time, and overall, helping to better detect cancers at their earliest stages. Please ask your doctor if the 3D Breast Biopsy procedure is right for you.

Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy

This procedure is performed by the radiologist using ultrasound guidance – an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within your body. During this procedure, you lie on your back or side on an ultrasound table.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Garnet Health Medical Center offers a stereotactic mammography and breast biopsy system that can eliminate the need for surgical biopsies through minimally invasive techniques. The stereotactic breast biopsy system assists in the diagnosis of early-stage cancer by providing women with an alternative to surgical biopsy.

Unlike traditional surgical biopsy, which requires a large skin incision, and unlike core-needle biopsy, which requires multiple insertions of the device, the system requires only a single insertion and minimizes injury to the surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure requires only a local anesthetic and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Biopsy Technology at Garnet Health Medical Center

We offer a full range of breast biopsy technologies that utilize minimally invasive techniques, which can eliminate the need for surgical biopsies. Procedures require only local anesthetic and are performed on an outpatient basis.

Affirm Prone Biopsy System

The Affirm Prone Biopsy System is the world’s first and only dedicated prone biopsy equipped to handle both 2D and 3D imaging-guided breast biopsies. Seen as a more ethical and approachable option, this system allows patients in ‘prone,’ or face-down position to be out of the field of view of the biopsy instruments. As compared to a standard X-ray biopsy, the Affirm Prone Biopsy System provides patients with a more comfortable and minimally invasive experience.

Brevera Breast Biopsy System

The Brevera Breast Biopsy System creates an easier, more streamlined biopsy experience through the use of optimized technology. This system combines tissue acquisition, real-time imaging, verification and advanced tissue handling into one, providing both the patient and physician with a more succinct process. The Brevera system is immediately able to determine if the sample collected is sufficient and then separates and protects the sample until it reaches pathology for testing.

Savi Scout Radar Localization System

A zero-radiation and wire-free solution, the Savi Scout System uses radar in order to aid surgeons in locating target tissue during a lumpectomy, or breast conserving treatment (BCT), in an accurate and timely manner. The use of radar allows for a higher level of localization during the procedure, potentially increasing the rate of accuracy all while preserving the surrounding healthy breast tissue. Elimination of wires helps ease day-of anxiety and assists in a better cosmetic outcome.