What is Breast Biopsy?

Breast biopsies are a procedure done to remove a small sample of breast tissue for testing within a laboratory. This test is used to analyse a suspicious area and to usually see whether or not it is breast cancer. There are many different ways to perform a breast biopsy, these include fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, stereotactic biopsy, MRI-guided core needle biopsy, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy. Risks of all biopsies include swelling, bruising and an altered breast appearance.  

Treatment

The doctor will decide what biopsy treatment is the best depending on the situation. Once the procedure has been done, the breast tissue is sent to the lab to be analysed by a doctor who specialises in analysing blood and body tissue, using a microscope and special procedures. Results may take up to several days and will be presented with full information including size and consistency of the tissue samples and whether or not cancer, noncancerous changes or precancerous cells were present. After a breast biopsy, the patient will go home with bandages and an ice pack on the biopsy site where they should rest for the day, being able to resume normal activity the next day. If it was a surgical biopsy, there will be stitches to care for but will go home the same day and can also resume activity the next day. Depending on the results, further treatment or surgery may be required. 

HospitALL provides the best doctors for a breast biopsy.