Image-Guided Breast Biopsy

A biopsy is the critical step that turns an image into an answer: removing a tiny sample of suspicious tissue for laboratory analysis. While biopsies once required major surgery, image-guided biopsy uses precisely directed needles under live imaging — a far less invasive interventional procedure.

Three approaches, one standard of care

RMI is one of the few imaging centers in Michigan accredited as a Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, and we offer all three classes of image-guided breast biopsy:

• MRI-guided — for findings visible only on MRI
• Stereotactic-guided — X-ray guidance from a specialized mammography system
• Ultrasound-guided — real-time sound-wave guidance

Which approach your radiologist uses depends on where the suspicious area is, your medical history, and the imaging method that first identified it.

What to expect

The procedure is done in our outpatient interventional suite with local anesthetic. You can eat normally and take your regular medications beforehand — the only exceptions are blood thinners, which we may need to coordinate. Our team contacts you before your appointment to walk you through exactly what to expect, and most women return to normal activities the same day.