Breast Biopsy

You may have a breast lump or some other change in your breast. Most breast lumps or other changes are not cancer. However, to be sure, you have been scheduled for a nonsurgical breast biopsy.

A nonsurgical breast biopsy is the term used to describe various techniques that do not require surgery to obtain samples of cells or tissue to establish a precise diagnosis. This is the way to determine if the abnormality is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

There are a variety of nonsurgical biopsy techniques available today. A nonsurgical breast biopsy requires sophisticated equipment to precisely locate and remove a small sample of tissue. This procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor) and technologist specially trained in this technique. Once the tissue sample is obtained, it is examined by a pathologist (a doctor specially trained to review tissue samples). The tissue sample must be prepared and processed before a final diagnosis can be made. This usually takes approximately one week.

In general, these biopsies are performed with the use of a local anesthetic and patients have a quick return to normal activities.

 

 

Types of Nonsurgical Biopsies

 

Aspiration
Aspiration uses a needle and syringe to attempt to drain the lump. If the lump is a cyst (a fluid tilted sac that is not cancer), removing the fluid will drain it. No other treatment will be needed. If it does not drain, an ultrasound-guided biopsy will be performed.

 

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
Ultrasound uses sound waves to show structures inside the body. For this type of biopsy, you will lie on your back on a padded table. The breast will be numbed and ultrasound will be used to guide the insertion of the needle to obtain a tissue sample. The tissue samples are obtained using a special needle.  Immediately following the biopsy, a clip/marker will be placed in the breast if deemed necessary by the performing physician.

 

Stereotactic Biopsy
A stereotactic breast biopsy is performed using special x-ray equipment to locate the abnormal area. You will lie on your stomach on a special padded table that has an opening for the breast. The breast is compressed similar to a mammogram. Special mammogram pictures are taken to confirm the location of the area to be sampled. The tissue samples are obtained using a special vacuum-assisted needle. Immediately following the biopsy, a clip/marker will be placed in the breast if deemed necessary by the performing physician.

 

Preparing for the Biopsy

 

IMPORTANT:
• If you take aspirin or blood thinners on an everyday basis, you must stop taking it for three days before your exam

• In addition, if you take blood thinners, you will need to arrive one hour before your exam to have blood work done in the Neighbor Health Center lab which is on the first floor of Building #1. You must have a prescription from your doctor for this lab work. Please take the doctor’s slip with you to the lab

• If you feel you will need more than local anesthesia, please contact your doctor for additional pain or calming medication prior to your scheduled procedure

• Please eat normally on the day of your test

• We recommend that you bring a tight fitting or athletic support bra to wear after the procedure to minimize movement of the breast and discomfort

 

Is the procedure painful?
Everyone has a slightly different pain threshold. A local anesthetic will be used to numb your breast to minimize the discomfort you might feel.