Ultrasound Guided Biopsy Service

Larchmont Imaging Associates is pleased to announce that we now offer ultrasound biopsies of breast and thyroid masses at our Ark Road facility in Mount Laurel. The procedures are performed in a state-of-the-art biopsy suite in a convenient outpatient setting. A core group of specially trained biopsy radiologists perform the procedure using live ultrasound imaging. The use of ultrasound imaging during the procedure helps to ensure that the mass in question is adequately sampled.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

Ultrasound biopsies of the breast are typically performed for cyst or cyst like lesions and for solid masses. Often these breast lesions come to light because they are palpable or they are noticed on a mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms are performed in our breast center which is located in our Ark Road facility. If a mass or cyst is diagnosed, we can often arrange to have an ultrasound biopsy performed later that day. If for medical or insurance reasons the biopsy cannot be performed that day, we will attempt to schedule the procedure prior to you leaving our facility.

The procedure itself takes roughly 30-40 minutes. One of our biopsy physicians will explain the procedure. The cyst or mass is localized by ultrasound. All procedures are performed using sterile, clean technique. Lidocaine is used for superficial/skin as well as deeper anesthesia. All procedures are performed under live or real-time ultrasound guidance. This minimizes the time that the procedure takes and also increases the likelihood that the biopsy will be successful.

Cyst aspirations are performed using a very small gauge/size needle. The fluid is aspirated then sent to a pathology lab to be analyzed. If the lesion is gone following the procedure, the likelihood that the lesion is malignant is very remote. For a solid mass, we use a core biopsy device. This device removes small pieces of the mass which are then evaluated by a pathology laboratory. Further work up is usually based on the pathology results. Either a member of our department or your doctor’s office will call you with results.

We look forward to participating in your breast care. If you have any questions, one of our staff will be happy to address them or direct you to an appropriate person. For questions, please call 856-778-8860 x291.

 

Ultrasound Guided Thyroid Biopsy

Thyroid problems are fairly common. During the workup of your thyroid condition, your physician may order an ultrasound. Frequently, thyroid nodules are seen. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to tell which nodules are benign (not cancerous) or which are malignant (cancerous) just based on their appearance.

Your physician may request that a biopsy be performed on one or more of your thyroid nodules. Only nodules greater than a certain size are biopsied. One of our dedicated biopsy radiologists will explain the procedure to you. The biopsy is done under sterile/clean conditions. Ultrasound guidance is used throughout the procedure. Additionally, a cytopathologist and/or a cytopathology technologist are onsite to immediately assess whether we have enough material to make a diagnosis. This limits the possibility of a non-diagnostic biopsy and decreases the possibility of a repeat biopsy. Typically, the procedure takes about 30 minutes per nodule. The results will be given to your referring physician.

We look forward to participating in your care. If you have any questions, one of our staff will be happy to address them or direct you to the appropriate person. Please call 856-778-8860 x291.