Ultrasound Guided Breast FNACs & Core Biopsies at Radiant Radiology
Radiant Radiology provides ultrasound guided breast biopsy procedures, including fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core biopsy, at our Women’s Imaging Centre in Pimpama. These procedures use real-time ultrasound to guide a needle precisely to the area being sampled, so that a small sample of cells or tissue can be sent for laboratory analysis.
A breast biopsy is requested when imaging or clinical examination has identified an area that needs to be assessed further. Sampling is the way to establish what an area of change actually is, and most breast changes that are biopsied are found to be non-cancerous.
Have a referral? Book your procedure at our Pimpama Women’s Imaging Centre.
FNAC and Core Biopsy Explained
Your referring doctor and radiologist determine which procedure is appropriate based on your imaging and clinical findings.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
A very fine needle is used to draw a small sample of cells from the area of interest. FNAC is commonly used for fluid-filled areas, lymph nodes, and situations where a cell sample is sufficient for assessment.
Core Biopsy
A slightly larger needle is used to take small cores of tissue rather than individual cells, providing more detailed information for the pathologist. Core biopsy is commonly used where tissue architecture and additional laboratory testing are required.
Both procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance, and both are minimally invasive alternatives to surgical biopsy.
How We Perform Your Procedure
- Your procedure is performed by an experienced radiologist using real-time ultrasound.
- You will be positioned to give clear access to the area being sampled, and the skin is cleaned with antiseptic. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, which may sting briefly as it is given.
- The needle is then guided to the target under ultrasound visualisation. For a core biopsy, a small nick is made in the skin, and you will hear a clicking sound as each sample is taken. You may feel pressure, though the area will be numb.
- Once sampling is complete, firm pressure is applied for several minutes to reduce bruising, and a dressing is applied. Your samples are sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.
- Please allow around an hour for your appointment, including preparation and recovery time.
Preparing for Your Procedure
- Our team will confirm your specific instructions when you book. As a general guide:
- Tell us when booking if you take blood thinning medication, or any medication that makes you bruise or bleed easily, as your referring doctor may need to provide advice beforehand.
- Avoid deodorant, antiperspirant, talcum powder, perfume, and lotion on the day if mammography also forms part of your appointment.
- Wear a two-piece outfit and a supportive bra, which helps with comfort afterwards.
- Bring your referral and all previous breast imaging, including images and reports from BreastScreen or another practice.
- A support person is welcome to accompany you.
After Your Procedure
Some bruising and tenderness at the biopsy site over the following days is common. A supportive bra and simple pain relief are usually sufficient, and your radiologist will give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave.
Keep the dressing dry as instructed, and contact the clinic or your doctor if you have concerns such as increasing pain, significant swelling, or signs of infection.
Your samples are analysed by a pathology laboratory, and results are sent to your referring doctor. Results are not available on the day, so please arrange a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss them.
Why Choose Radiant Radiology
- Real-time ultrasound guidance for accurate sampling
- Experienced radiologists performing breast procedures
- Dedicated Women’s Imaging Centre in Pimpama
- Private, supportive environment with an unhurried approach
- Prompt reporting to your referring doctor
- Radiant Radiology performs ultrasound guided breast procedures with care and discretion for patients across the Gold Coast and Logan. This service forms part of our Breast Diagnostic Assessment pathway and our wider Interventional Procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a breast biopsy mean I have cancer?
No. A biopsy is requested to establish what an area of change is, and most breast changes that are biopsied are found to be non-cancerous. Sampling is the way to answer the question rather than an indication of the answer.
What is the difference between an FNAC and a core biopsy?
An FNAC uses a very fine needle to collect a sample of cells, while a core biopsy uses a slightly larger needle to collect small samples of tissue, giving the pathologist more detailed information. Your radiologist determines which is appropriate for your situation.
Does a breast biopsy hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during sampling. The anaesthetic itself may sting briefly as it is given. Tenderness and bruising afterwards are common.
How long does the appointment take?
Please allow around an hour, which includes preparation, the procedure itself, and a short recovery period before you leave.
When will I get my results?
Your samples are analysed by a pathology laboratory and the results are sent to your referring doctor. Results are not available on the day of your procedure, so please arrange a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Can I drive myself home?
\For most ultrasound guided breast procedures, driving afterwards is possible, as only local anaesthetic is used. Our team will confirm what applies to your procedure when you book.
Will I need a referral?
Yes, a referral from your GP or specialist is required, and your referral will specify the procedure requested.
Available Location
Ultrasound guided breast FNAC and core biopsy procedures are performed at our Women’s Imaging Centre in Pimpama:
Patients from Ormeau, Yarrabilba, Elanora, Coomera, and across the Gold Coast and Logan region are welcome at our Pimpama Women’s Imaging Centre.