If I have a stereotactic automated needle biopsy and find out the lump in my breast is benign, what happens to the lump? Does it stay in my breast, or will it have to be removed anyway?

--- Carole

If you have a needle biopsy and the findings are benign, then the mass is left where it is -- it is not removed. The whole point of a needle biopsy is to avoid making an unnecessary incision. Stereotactic biopsies are done with the guidance of a mammogram to ensure the abnormal area is sampled; it is very accurate and allows a good sample to be obtained without the doctor having to make any incisions on the breast.