If a mass is identified as suspicious through a mammogram, sonogram or other diagnostic test, a doctor may suggest you have a breast biopsy. A biopsy of breast tissue can be done through a needle or surgically.
Identification
A radiologist will study your mammogram along with any other tests that were taken, such as a sonogram or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will receive a report and help you decide what type of breast biopsy should be done.
Pre-biopsy
If a needle biopsy is being done, there is usually no preparation beforehand. A surgical biopsy may require a pre-operative physical and blood tests to make sure you are healthy.
Preparation
For a needle biopsy, the area of the breast being examined will be cleaned and numbed so that you will not feel the needle. A surgical biopsy usually requires general anesthesia so that you are asleep during the procedure, before the area is even prepared to be cut.
Procedure
A needle biopsy, which is often guided by radiology (mammogram, sonogram or MRI), involves using a fine or core needle to take a sample of tissue. During a surgical biopsy, the mass--or at least a piece of it--is removed. The doctor may also choose to sample surrounding tissue.
Recovery
There is little to no recovery with a needle biopsy, just a bit of soreness at the site of the needle. A surgical biopsy usually requires stitches and you may need a week or so to recover, depending on the size of the incision and if there were any lymph nodes taken.
Results
The samples taken during a breast biopsy will be studied carefully by a pathologist. If they are determined to be malignant (cancerous), the cancer will be staged and you will discuss treatment with your doctor.
Tags: needle biopsy, surgical biopsy, breast biopsy, biopsy usually, biopsy usually requires, mammogram sonogram, needle surgical
