Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
A fine needle aspiration biopsy uses a needle and syringe to drain a lump or collect cells from a lump. This can determine whether a lump is solid or fluid filled. If the lump is a cyst, the doctor will drain the fluid. If the lump is solid, the doctor will have the in-house pathologist come to the exam room to review the sample under a microscope.

Ultrasound Core Needle Biopsy
An ultrasound core needle biopsy is used to remove a core of tissue from a solid lump. Using sound waves, your doctor will guide a needle into the suspicious breast area to obtain a sample for microscopic examination. The procedure uses a local anesthetic, leaves no scar and is considered highly accurate.

Stereotactic Needle Biopsy
Stereotactic needle biopsy uses a computerized x-ray technique to pinpoint a breast mass or calcification. Using radiologic guidance, a needle is inserted into the mass and a tissue sample is taken for laboratory examination. The procedure uses a local anesthetic, leaves no scar and is considered highly accurate.

Wire Localization
Wire localization is used when mammography reveals a suspicious lesion, but you or your physician cannot feel any masses. Thin wire needles are placed, under radiologic guidance, as close to the mass as possible. Using the wire as a guide, the surgeon can then remove suspicious tissue.

> Learn About Surgical Biopsy Procedures