:::: FAQ : BREAST BIOPSY :.

What is a biopsy?

If there are lingering concerns about an area of the breast after imaging evaluation, a biopsy may be recommended.

A breast biopsy involves the removal of tissue cells or a small piece of breast tissue for microscopic examination by a pathologist to determine the presence of disease.

Breast Self Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) and mammography are important tools for detecting possible abnormalities; however, only microscopic examination of cells or tissue by a pathologist can determine with certainty the presence or absence of cancer cells.

What is a stereotactic needle biopsy?

Stereotactic technique is a special three dimensional procedure for guiding the placement of a biopsy needle into a very tiny abnormality that is only visible on a mammogram, usually a group of calcifications or a small lump that is not visible with ultrasound.

What is a needle biopsy?

Most breast biopsies are performed today using a needle with a small amount of local anesthesia. Needle biopsies are most often performed by a specially trained radiologist using x-ray or ultrasound to guide the needle to the area of concern.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) involves the collection of cells using a small needle and syringe.

Core biopsy involves removal of small cores of tissue using a larger needle.

Vacuum-assisted core biopsy involves removal of multiple larger cores of tissue using an automated device with a special suction apparatus.

Needle biopsies can be performed at one-third to one-half the cost of surgical biopsies and are considered minimally invasive procedures that leave little or no sign of scaring. Needle biopsies obtain only small samples of tissue. If microscopic examination of the cells or tissue obtained with needle biopsy shows non-cancerous or benign tissue, the patient is spared the necessity of having an incision and an open surgical procedure, which may require a general anesthetic. If cancer cells are found, surgical removal of the suspicious area is performed for the purpose of removing all the cancerous tissue.

When will I know the results of my biopsy?

Tissue removed at the time of the needle biopsy is sent to the pathologist for processing and microscopic analysis. Results are usually available within 48 hours after the biopsy. Patients are asked to return to the Breast Center 48 hours after the biopsy so the radiologist can examine the biopsy site and discuss the pathology findings.

What is a surgical biopsy?

Image of a tissue specimen from a surgical biopsy showing a “guide-wire” that was placed by the radiologist to aid the surgeon in locating subtle calcifications.

Surgical biopsies are performed by a surgeon and involve removal of the lump or area of concern through a skin incision. Some surgical biopsies are done with local anesthesia; some may require a general anesthetic.

Surgical biopsies are usually done with the help of the radiologist who performs a pre-operative wire localization. The radiologist places a small wire into the area using x-ray or ultrasound guidance. The surgeon is then able to follow the wire to the area identified by the radiologist.