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Breast Biopsy
Everything You Need To KnowBreast Biopsy
What is breast biopsy?
Breast biopsy is the removal of a small breast tissue with a special biopsy needle so that it can be checked in a lab for any signs of disease (e.g., cancer). About 80% of individuals who undergo breast biopsy do not have cancer.
A breast biopsy is the only diagnostic procedure that can help determine if the suspected area is cancerous. It is recommended to confirm or rule out breast cancer or any other breast-related conditions. A breast biopsy is typically recommended after other tests such as a mammogram or physical breast examination.
Who is a suitable candidate for breast biopsy?
Individuals will be advised to go for a breast biopsy if they have
- Any lump, thickening, or any other changes within their breasts.
- Mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI of the breast shows any lumps, calcium deposits or any other signs that could mean cancer.
- The skin on the nipple becomes red, swollen, scaly, or pulled inward.
- Any abnormal discharge or fluid coming from the nipple.
Preparation for breast biopsy
Breast biopsy can be performed using any of the following procedures:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- Core needle biopsy
- Stereotactic biopsy
- Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy
- MRI-guided core needle biopsy
- Vacuum-assisted core biopsy
During any one of the above procedures, a thin needle or wire is placed into the area of the lump felt during the clinical breast examination or through ultrasound or MRI, so the surgeon can easily find the lump. A local anaesthesia to numb the area around the lump is given prior to the procedure. The collected tissue is then examined under a microscope to see whether the lump is cancerous.
Procedure for breast biopsy
Breast biopsy can be performed using any of the following procedures:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- Core needle biopsy
- Stereotactic biopsy
- Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy
- MRI-guided core needle biopsy
- Vacuum-assisted core biopsy
During any one of the above procedures, a thin needle or wire is placed into the area of the lump felt during the clinical breast examination or through ultrasound or MRI, so the surgeon can easily find the lump. A local anaesthesia to numb the area around the lump is given prior to the procedure. The collected tissue is then examined under a microscope to see whether the lump is cancerous.
Post-procedure care and recovery for breast biopsy
- Avoid activities that may stretch or bounce breasts such as jogging, jumping, etc., until 3 days after the biopsy.
- Avoid any form of vigorous physical activities including arms until 7 days post biopsy.
- Wear a sports bra or a snug-fitting bra until 24 hours post-biopsy.
- Keep the biopsy area dry for effective healing of the biopsy site.
- Do not take aspirin or any other blood thinning agents soon after the biopsy procedure.
- Use of wrapped ice on the swollen area may help reduce the swelling as well as pain, if any.
Risks and complications of breast biopsy
There are no potential risks or complications of breast biopsy. However, a little bruising and temporary discomfort are usually common. Possible risks may include:
- Infection (can be treated using antibiotics)
- Bleeding
- Altered breast appearance
- Additional surgery or other treatments depending upon biopsy results
FAQs
The time taken for breast biopsy varies depending upon the procedure employed. For example, an ultrasound-guided core biopsy may require only 20 minutes whereas, a mammogram-guided core biopsy may take up to an hour.
The recovery period following a breast biopsy may differ depending on whether it was surgical or non-invasive. If the biopsy was performed surgically and involved incisions and stitches, the recovery time might be weeks (often 2 to 3). If it was a non-invasive procedure, the recovery time might be 1 to 2 days.
No. Not all lumps found on the breast are cancerous. Only about 10 to 20 percent of lumps found on the breast turn out to be cancer. The rest of the lumps are usually benign. The difference between a cancerous or a benign lump can be made through a physical exam and a breast biopsy.
Any abnormal findings on a mammogram or a breast ultrasound will be identified by a radiologist. Based on a particular abnormality and how much tissue is required for accurate diagnosis, the most suited type of breast biopsy is determined.
Aspirin or any other blood thinning agents may potentiate the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. Therefore, aspirin usage within 6 to 7 days prior to biopsy is stopped.