Ultrasonographic guidance for needle biopsy of breast lesions

The use of imaging-guided needle biopsies of the breast to establish the histology of lesions has become an important tool in the clinical management of breast pathology. Avoiding excision of benign lesions and allowing definitive surgery of malignant lesions to be planned from the outset are to the benefit of the patient and also decrease the cost of breast health care. The use of ultrasonographic guidance for such procedures provides a safe and effective real time technique to sample tissue while the patient lies in a comfortable supine position. The operator who has a good understanding of the procedure will be able to obtain reliable specimens efficiently and consistently.