Question

A ____________ biopsy uses three different angles of mammography to precisely locate the mass in the breast.

Answer 1

stereotactic

Explanation;

• Incase a suspicious mass is detected in the breast a stereotactic biopsy which is a non-surgical method is carried out to precisely locate the mass in the breast for it only allows the breasts to be exposed to the x-rays.

• The x-rays are converted into electrical signals by electronic detectors and thus the electric signals produce images of the breast that can be immediately seen on a computer screen.Mammogram images are obtained to confirm that the needle is within the lesion prior to sampling.

• By doing this the radiologist is able to insert a needle through a small cut in the skin after a local anesthetic that numbs the breast enabling the removal of tissue samples for examination under a microscope incase calcium deposits are sampled for diagnosis.

• After the process is done pressure is applied at the opening of the breast to stop bleeding and then it is covered with a dressing.

• A marker may be placed at the biopsy site inorder to locate it in future if necessary.