Image-guided breast biopsy is a non-surgical method of assessing a breast abnormality.
During an image-guided breast biopsy, a mammography machine uses X-rays to guide the radiologist’s biopsy equipment to the site of the abnormal growth. The mammography shows the exact location of the mass by using computer and digital X-rays taken from different angles. Then, a biopsy is performed during which the radiologist inserts a needle through the skin to remove a sample of cells.
Once the cells are removed from the abnormal area, they can be examined under a microscope to determine a diagnosis.