An Advanced Interventional Procedure

DIC breast health

Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether an abnormality is benign or cancerous. Image-guided biopsy is performed by taking samples of an abnormality under some form of guidance, such as ultrasound, MRI or mammography.

First in New Hampshire!

The radiology group at Derry Imaging Center was the first in New Hampshire to perform breast biopsies. Our team has many years of combined experience, putting your health in the safest hands.

Some common incidences that require biopsy are:

  • a suspicious solid mass
  • microcalcifications (a tiny cluster of small calcium deposits)
  • a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue
  • an area of abnormal tissue change
  • a new mass or area of calcium deposits present at a previous surgery site

Our fellowship-trained radiologists use the latest cutting-edge technology to perform these breast biopsies. The radiologist will determine the best form of guidance to the site of the lump or abnormality.

Our Cutting-Edge Technology

Derry Imaging has been recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

Our team of experts utilize our recent investment in the state-of-the-art Hologic Brevera Breast Biopsy System with CorLumina imaging technology. This advanced technology streamlines the entire biopsy process from start to finish, providing the patient with a more comfortable, faster and less invasive experience and resulting in a more efficient biopsy.

At Derry Imaging we pair the Brevera with the Affirm Upright System for Stereotactic & 3D Guided breast biopsies. The upright position is ideal for every patient body type, unlike the prone table. The upright system allows us to comfortably position the patient for biopsy, reproducing the same position used during the screening exam. This position allows for greater accuracy in accessing the area of concern, resulting in a quicker procedure.

We also offer state-of-the-art MRI and 3D ultrasound-guided biopsy.

What to Expect

If you have been referred for a breast biopsy, you will not be alone during the procedure. One of our breast health nurse navigators will be with you the whole way to guide you through every step with gentle care and assurance. All of your questions will be addressed, and she will provide you and your family with resources and support along the way. Your nurse navigator will also work closely as a liaison with your primary care provider and surgeon.

Click here for instructions on how to prepare for your breast biopsy, and see below for details on the different types of biopsies performed.

You will be sitting in a special chair (Affirm Upright) that can be moved into the best and most comfortable position so that your breast can be positioned correctly in the mammogram machine. A 3D tomosynthesis mammogram will be obtained, and from those images, your radiologist and the technologists can determine the best location to place the biopsy device. Your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic. You will be given local anesthesia, which stings for a few seconds, then you should be numb. Once you are numb, the biopsy device will be placed through a small nick in the skin to the abnormality, and several tissue samples will be obtained.

Download our full guide

You will be lying on your back on a stretcher in the ultrasound procedure room. Your radiologist will find the best path to the abnormality using the ultrasound machine. Your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic. You will be given local anesthesia, which stings for a few seconds when it is injected, but after a few seconds, you should be numb. Once you are numb, the biopsy device will be placed through a small nick in the skin to the abnormality, and several tissue samples will be obtained.

Download our full guide

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