Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is a procedure used to diagnose breast cancer or other abnormal breast changes that appear on an imaging test or physical exam. During the procedure, a small amount of tissue is removed from the breast and is then examined by a pathologist under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer.

Preparation for a Breast Biopsy

Before the procedure, your doctor will discuss the test details and what to expect. He or she will also likely advise you to start taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, a few days before the biopsy to reduce any swelling or discomfort.

Procedure

A breast biopsy is typically done on an outpatient basis, so you may be allowed to go home shortly afterwards. During the procedure, your doctor may give you a local anesthetic to numb the biopsy site and may inject a mild sedative to help you relax.

The doctor will then insert a biopsy needle into the area to collect cells or tissue. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Depending on the biopsy type, the procedure may take anywhere from a few seconds to about 30 minutes.

Types of Breast Biopsy

Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Fine-needle aspiration involves using a thin needle attached to a syringe to withdraw fluid and a few cells from a mass. This procedure is relatively quick and does not require stitches.
Core Needle Biopsy: Core needle biopsy is performed with a larger needle and collects a sample of tissue for pathology testing.
Surgical Biopsy: This type of biopsy, usually done in an operating room, is used to remove an entire tumor or a larger piece of tissue for examination.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, bruising, and a reaction to the anesthesia. There are also potential risks to the actual biopsy, such as the inability to obtain sufficient tissue for diagnosis or the possibility of “sampling error”—when a biopsy misses cancer that is present.

Why Have a Breast Biopsy?

Your doctor may suggest a breast biopsy if he or she detects a lump, a suspicious mass or an abnormality on a mammogram. It is also sometimes used to confirm a diagnosis after a core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration biopsy is performed and the results are inconclusive.

When to Consider a Breast Biopsy

If you experience any of the following symptoms, discuss them with your doctor:

Lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
Changes in breast size or shape
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Nipple discharge
Nipple tenderness or the nipple turning inward
Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin

Your doctor may order a mammogram, X-ray, ultrasound, or other imaging test in order to assess the area of concern. Depending on the results of the imaging, he or she may then suggest a biopsy.