Stereotactic Biopsy: Tests & Result Time - Dr. Nordquist

Question
Dr Nordquist,  

Hi,  My mom just had a stereotactic biopsy preformed, they used a type of needle to extract a sample. My questions are
what tests are preformend and how long does it normally take to get the results.

thanks

Ken

Answer
The main purpose of a biopsy is to study the cell and tissue architecture of the tissue sample in the biopsy with a microscope in order to reach a diagnosis of whatever lesion they need to study. If it was a thin needle biopsy only cell studies were possible. If it was a wide bore needle also tissue studies are possible. Often the main purpose is to find out if the lesion is cancerous or not. Well a week to 10 days is perhaps a reasonable time to expect.