What is a breast biopsy?

Breast biopsy
A breast biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of breast tissue is removed for testing. The tissue is examined under a microscope to look for breast cancer. There are different ways of doing a breast biopsy. One of the methods uses a special needle to extract the tissue. Another method removes the tissue in a minor outpatient surgery (outpatient means you do not spend the night in the hospital).

A breast biopsy can determine if you have breast cancer. Most women who have a breast biopsy do not have cancer.

Other names: thick needle biopsy; biopsy with a thick needle, breast; fine needle aspiration; open surgery biopsy

For what do you use it?

A breast biopsy is used to confirm or rule out breast cancer. It is done if other tests, such as a mammogram or a physical exam of the breasts, show that there may be breast cancer.

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Why do I need a breast biopsy?

You may need a breast biopsy if:

  • You or your doctor or health care provider has a nodule (growth, lump, or mass that may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) in one breast
  • Mammography, MRI or ultrasound show a nodule, a shadow or something worrying
  • You have changes in a nipple, for example, secretions with blood

If your doctor or health professional has ordered a breast biopsy, that does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Most breast lumps turn out to be benign, that is, non-cancerous.

What happens during a breast biopsy?

The breast biopsy procedure can be done in three ways:
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy, which uses a very thin needle to remove a sample of cells or fluid from the breast
  • Needle biopsy, which uses a larger needle to remove a sample
  • Surgical biopsy, which removes a sample in a minor outpatient procedure

Fine needle aspiration biopsy and core needle biopsy usually include the following steps.
  • You lie on your side or sit on an examination table (stretcher).
  • A doctor cleans your back and injects an anesthetic so you do not feel pain during the procedure.
  • When the region is numb, insert a thin or thick needle into the region of the biopsy and remove a sample of tissue or fluid.
  • You may feel some pressure when the sample is removed.
  • Pressure will be applied to the biopsy region until the bleeding stops.
  • The doctor will apply a sterile bandage at the biopsy site.
In a surgical biopsy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin to remove all or part of a breast nodule. Surgical biopsy is sometimes done if the nodule cannot be reached with a needle biopsy. Surgical biopsies usually include the following steps.
  • You lie down on an operating table. An intravenous (IV) line can be placed in an arm or a hand.
  • You may be given a medicine called a sedative to help you relax.
  • You are given local or general anesthesia so you do not feel pain during the procedure.
  • For local anesthesia, a doctor injects a medication at the biopsy site to numb the region.
  • For general anesthesia, a specialist called an anesthesiologist gives you medication so that you are unconscious during the procedure.
  • Once the region of the biopsy is insensitive or you are unconscious, the surgeon makes a small incision in the breast and removes the entire nodule or part. You can also remove part of the tissue that surrounds the tumor.
  • The cut on the skin is closed with stitches or adhesive strips.
The type of biopsy will depend on several factors, such as the size and appearance of the tumor or the region around it that was detected during the breast exam.

Will I have to do something to prepare for the test?

You do not need any special preparation if you will receive local anesthesia (the region of the biopsy will be numbed). If you receive general anesthesia, you will probably have to fast (do not eat or drink anything) for several hours before surgery. Your surgeon will give you more specific instructions. Also, if you are going to receive sedation or general anesthesia, arrange for someone to take you home. After waking up from the procedure, you may feel dazed and confused.

Does this test have any risk?

You may have a small bruise or some bleeding at the biopsy site. Sometimes it gets infected. If that happens, you will receive antibiotic treatment. A surgical biopsy may cause some additional pain and discomfort. Your doctor or health professional may recommend or prescribe medication to help you feel better.

What do the results mean?

The results can take from several days to a week. Typical results can be:
  • Normal. No abnormal cells or cancer were found.
  • Abnormal but benign. They show breast changes that are not cancer, for example, calcium deposits and cysts. Sometimes, more testing and follow-up treatment may be needed.
  • Cancer cells were found. Your results will include information about cancer to help you and your doctor make the treatment plan that best meets your needs. They probably refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of breast cancer.

Is there anything else I need to know about a breast biopsy?

In the United States, tens of thousands of women and hundreds of men die from breast cancer (breast cancer) every year. Breast biopsy, when appropriate, can help detect breast cancer earlier when it is more treatable. When breast cancer is detected early, when it is contained in the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. This means that, on average, 99 out of 100 people with early detection of breast cancer are still alive 5 years after diagnosis. If you have questions about breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms or a breast biopsy, check with your doctor or health professional.