ABSTRACT
Once a mass is suspected on clinical examination or breast imaging, the appropriate next step is diagnostic needle biopsy guided either by palpation or image-directed biopsy (ultrasound, stereotactic, or MRI guided) for impalpable lesions. Image-directed needle biopsy is now recommended over hand directed biopsy for palpable lesions to ensure that the needle lies within the target. A needle biopsy is less invasive than an excisional biopsy and allows adequate planning for a one-step procedure once a diagnosis has been established; therefore, it is the preferred method for biopsying the majority of breast lesions.
