Breast biopsies

They allow collecting a sample of breast tissue for histological analysis.

These macro-biopsies are performed on an outpatient basis and last on average 1 hour, including preparation.

Under ultrasound guidance, the samples are collected after local anesthesia; the procedure takes between 10 and 20 minutes and is usually painless.

Under stereotaxis, samples are taken from lesions that are not visible on ultrasound, such as micro-calcifications. A few years ago, the Senology Unit of the Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc acquired an aspiration sampling system, called Mammotome, and, more recently, a dedicated stereotactic table. The dedicated stereotactic table offers a significant improvement in patient comfort. The patient lies on her stomach, with her breast placed in a window and the medical team working under the table (the patient does not see the procedure). Once placed in the breast after stereotactic location, the needle is left in place and rotates 360°, allowing several samples to be taken in different directions. The average duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. It also provides better access to the lesions and an aspiration to manage a possible hematoma.

The patient can resume normal activity after the procedure.