Technique and Pitfalls of Ultrasound-guided Core-needle Biopsy of the Breast

When using ultrasound guidance to perform core-needle biopsy, the curvature of the breast can be used to advantage. By entering the breast from the periphery, chest wall injury is avoided and needle visualization is improved. Visualization of the needle is expedited by bringing the needle to the lesion by using a gentle sweeping motion while keeping the transducer relatively fixed in position. Standard techniques can be modified for difficult lesions, such as those that are mobile, deep, small, or in a large breast. Careful correlation with the mammogram will insure biopsy of the corresponding sonographic lesion. Although complications are uncommon, hematoma or infection may occur after the procedure. With practice, application of standard and modified techniques can result in efficient and accurate ultrasound-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsy of the breast.