Breast biopsy
A breast biopsy is a medical procedure used to examine suspicious areas in breast tissue to determine whether cancer is present. This procedure is often prompted by abnormalities detected during a mammogram or by the self-discovery of a lump. Various techniques exist for conducting a breast biopsy, including fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, excisional biopsy, and incisional biopsy. Imaging technologies such as ultrasound or MRI may assist physicians in accurately locating the suspicious tissue for sampling.
Post-procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, such as bleeding or bruising, and there is a risk of infection. The removed tissue is then analyzed by pathologists to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. If cancer is detected, multiple treatment options are available, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In cases where no cancer is found, follow-up imaging tests may be recommended to monitor breast health. Understanding the biopsy process and its implications can be crucial for individuals navigating breast health issues.
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Subject Terms
Breast biopsy
Anatomy or system affected: Breasts (female)
Definition: The surgical removal of a lump or tissue from the breast to determine whether it is malignant
Indications and Procedures
Among women, breast cancer is the most common malignancy. (While men can have breast cancer, such cases are relatively rare.) Women have learned the importance of self-examination, regular clinical breast examinations, and the need to report any suspicious lumps and other breast changes they find to a physician. Mammography (an X-ray of the breasts) is used as a breast cancer screening tool, and suspicious findings on a mammogram are the most common indication for biopsy. A woman finding a suspicious lump often leads to a biopsy as well. Some physicians use breast ultrasound to determine whether a biopsy is needed.
Many techniques are used to conduct a breast biopsy. The physician can use a thin needle and syringe to collect cells from suspicious areas (fine needle aspiration). Often, draining a cyst (a fluid-filled sac) is the only treatment needed. Surgeons can conduct a core needle biopsy, using a needle with a cutting edge to cut out a small piece of tissue. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or mammography equipment may be used during a core needle biopsy to help the clinician locate the suspicious tissue. Small lumps are often removed in an excisional biopsy (lumpectomy). When lumps are larger, the surgeon may do an incisional biopsy to remove part of the lump for further examination. When no lump is present, but suspicious tissue has been revealed by mammography, the surgeon can use the X-ray to place small needles to remove tissue samples. A vacuum device is used in some biopsies to assist with the collection of multiple samples. Following a breast biopsy, a patient may experience bleeding, bruising, or localized pain. Infections can also occur.
Pathologists examine the lump, tissue, or cells that are removed from the breast to determine whether cancer is present. If cancer is found, the patient has several treatment options, including removal of part or all of the breast, lumpectomy with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. If cancer is not found or biopsy results are inconclusive, patients are typically encouraged to have a repeat imaging test within six to twelve months of the biopsy.
Bibliography
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