Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves to examine lesions of the breast. It is a tool often used to evaluate a palpable breast lump or define a mammographic abnormality. Since there is no radiation involved, ultrasound is safe during pregnancy.

Therapeutic ultrasound guides multiple procedures performed in our office, including cyst aspiration, breast biopsy, and placement of brachytherapy balloon catheter. The use of ultrasound improves the safety and accuracy of these procedures.

Breast aspiration is used to remove fluid from  cysts, sample cells from solid nodules, or remove unwanted fluid collections from breast tissue. Often, cysts aspirations are guided by ultrasound. This procedure is frequently performed in the office.

Breast biopsy is a way to evaluate a palpable breast mass or mammographic abnormality. By taking samples of breast tissue, we are able to determine the cause of a particular lesion. Since there are several types of breast biopsies available, we will discuss the most appropriate one for you during your consultation.

Ultrasound guided biopsy

When a lump is palpable or easily seen on ultrasound, we can biopsy it using the ultrasound machine as a guide. Several small pieces of breast tissue are remove under local anesthesia, and are eventually examined by the pathologist for a diagnosis. We perform this procedure in the office or at the hospital breast center.

Stereotactic biopsy

When there is an abnormal finding on the mammogram, but no palpable lump or ultrasound finding, we need to use the mammogram machine to find what we are looking for. A special table has been designed for this procedure, which we perform at the hospital breast center. Several small pieces of breast tissue are removed under local anesthesia, and are eventually examined by the pathologist for a diagnosis.

Open biopsy

Although the majority of our biopsies are minimally invasive, occasionally, a core needle biopsy is not appropriate. If you need an open biopsy, we will discuss this with you during your consultation. Open biopsies are done in the operating room as outpatient surgery, and often the whole lesion is removed. The pathologist examines the tissue and provides the diagnosis in a few days.

Punch biopsy

If there is an abnormality of the breast skin, nipple, or areola, we may recommend a punch biopsy under local anesthetic. We use a small device to remove a tiny amount of tissue which is then examined by the pathologist. We perform this type of biopsy in the office or at the hospital using local anesthetic.

Breast surgery encompasses a wide variety of procedures including breast biopsy, duct excision, lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, mastectomy and axillary dissection. Breast surgery is done for both benign and malignant problems. If you need breast surgery, we will tailor the procedure to your specific problem, and together we will chose the best surgical option for you. Details regarding your procedure will be discussed during your consultation, and we will ensure that all your questions are answered fully.

Brachytherapy Balloon Catheters are used to shorten the length of radiation from weeks to days. Under ultrasound guidance and local anesthetic, a catheter is introduced into the breast for the delivery of subsequent radiation. If you are a candidate for this type of radiation, we will discuss it with you at your preoperative consultation.