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.
