Can anyone tell me more about a breast biopsy--what do they do, anesthesia, etc?

The biopsy: Can be done directed by ultrasound and/or needle localization. If the rsults are equivocal, it may be necessary to do an open biopy under general anesthesia.

Core box w/local: The standard of care for most all breast biopsies are the diagnosis be made via a needle biopsy (core bx). This is usually done in the office under local anesthetic. The breast surgeon will generally use some means if image guidance - ultrasound or mmg/stereotactic - to ensure accurate targeting.

Usually IV sedation: There are several ways of doing this procedure. It can either be a needle localizing biopsy or straight needle biopsy. Either involves the placement of a needle into the tissue that is to be examined, and a sample is sent off for a pathologist to analyze. The anesthesia for either of these procedures is usually IV sedation, with local anesthesia at the site of needle insertion.