RadteraUltrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
USNo contrastBreast
Indications
- Suspicious solid mass or complex cystic/solid lesion (BI-RADS 4/5) visible on US
- Sonographically visible mammographic or MRI correlate
- Suspicious axillary lymph node sampling (FNA or core)
Patient prep
- Review and manage anticoagulation/antiplatelet medications per policy
- No special prep; supine/oblique positioning to optimize target access
- Informed consent; identify and re-confirm target lesion under US
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- High-frequency linear transducer; sterile prep and local anesthetic
- Real-time guidance with needle parallel to chest wall (in-plane) for safety
- Spring-loaded core needle (commonly 14G) or vacuum-assisted device; obtain multiple cores
- Document needle-through-lesion images (pre- and post-fire); place marker clip when indicated (small lesion, possible neoadjuvant therapy)
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-biopsy targeting | Orthogonal | Confirm lesion and approach |
| 2 | Needle in lesion (pre/post-fire) | Long axis | Document needle traversing target |
| 3 | Post-procedure / clip | As needed | Confirm clip; post-clip mammogram if placed |
Key points
- Preferred biopsy route when a lesion is sonographically visible — real-time, no radiation, well tolerated
- Keep needle path parallel to chest wall to avoid pneumothorax
- Place marker clip for small lesions or those likely to receive neoadjuvant therapy so site can be relocalized
- Establish radiologic-pathologic concordance; discordant results require repeat or excisional biopsy
References
• ACR Practice Parameter for the Performance of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Breast Interventional Procedures
• ACR BI-RADS Atlas, 5th ed. (Ultrasound)
• Radiopaedia: Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy ( link
• ACR BI-RADS Atlas, 5th ed. (Ultrasound)
• Radiopaedia: Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy ( link
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.