What is the Difference Between Stereotactic Biopsy and Ultrasound Biopsy?

Stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound biopsy are two methods used to perform breast biopsies. The main differences between these two procedures are:

Imaging Guidance:

Stereotactic biopsy uses mammography-guided imaging to evaluate calcifications or small lesions in the breast.
Ultrasound-guided biopsy uses ultrasound imaging to target and guide the biopsy needle through the breast tissue.

Ionizing Radiation:

Stereotactic biopsy requires ionizing radiation exposure.
Ultrasound-guided biopsy does not involve ionizing radiation exposure, making it a safer option.

Procedure Speed:

Stereotactic biopsy is generally slower than ultrasound-guided biopsy.
Ultrasound-guided biopsy is faster and can be performed in less than an hour.

Accessibility:

Ultrasound-guided biopsy can evaluate lumps under the arm or near the chest wall, which are hard to reach with stereotactic biopsy.

Cost:

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is less expensive than stereotactic biopsy.

Patient Discomfort and Recovery:

Ultrasound-guided biopsy causes less patient discomfort and has a shorter recovery time than stereotactic biopsy.
Patients can soon resume their usual activities after an ultrasound-guided biopsy.

In summary, ultrasound-guided biopsy is generally faster, less expensive, and less invasive than stereotactic biopsy. It also avoids ionizing radiation exposure and can access more difficult-to-reach locations in the breast. However, the choice between the two methods depends on the specific clinical scenario and the preferences of the healthcare provider.

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What is the Difference Between Stereotactic Biopsy and Ultrasound Biopsy?

Comparative Table: Stereotactic Biopsy vs Ultrasound Biopsy

Here is a table comparing stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound biopsy:

Feature	Stereotactic Biopsy	Ultrasound Biopsy
Guidance	Computed Tomography (CT)	Ultrasound
Invasiveness	Less invasive than surgical biopsy	Less invasive than surgical biopsy
Procedure Time	Can be performed in less than an hour	Relatively simpler, economical, less time consuming, and real-time procedure
Cost	About one-third the cost of open surgical biopsy	Economical alternative to stereotactic biopsy
Recovery Time	Very little recovery time required	Real-time procedure, no recovery time needed
Pain	Generally not very painful	Simple procedure, likely minimal pain
Breast Defect	No breast defect remains, unlike surgery	No significant breast defect
Applications	Evaluate calcium deposits or masses, suspicious masses, tiny clusters of small calcium deposits (microcalcifications), and distortions in the structure of the breast	Evaluate sonographically visible lesions
Limitations	May not be possible if the target abnormality is located near the chest wall or directly behind the nipple, the mammogram shows only a vague change in tissue density but no definite mass or nodule, the breast is too thin, or the target is composed of diffuse calcium deposits scattered throughout the breast	Direct visualization of the needle tip pre and post fire, and an orthogonal image to ensure that the needle was within the lesion

Stereotactic biopsy uses computed tomography (CT) to guide the procedure, while ultrasound biopsy uses ultrasound for guidance. Both methods are less invasive than surgical biopsy, cost-effective, and have minimal recovery time. However, ultrasound-guided biopsy is considered simpler, more economical, and less time-consuming than stereotactic biopsy. Additionally, ultrasound-guided biopsy can be performed in real-time, whereas stereotactic biopsy requires transportation between the CT scan suite and the operation theater.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.