Breast biopsy procedures involve removing a small sample of breast tissue to check for cancer or other abnormal cells.
There are a few types.
Surgical biopsy is preferred when the lump is particularly deep or hard to find.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
The breast biopsy may involvelocal anesthesiato numb the breast or general anesthesia if surgery is needed.
The needle is used to extract fluid or breast tissue from the suspicious area.
This procedure is often used to extract fluid from a painful breast cyst.
The needle used for this procedure is very thin, so numbing is not always needed.
General anesthesia is not needed for fine needle aspiration.
During this procedure, you will be awake and in a supine position (lying face up).
The procedure takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Core Needle Biopsy
Core needle biopsies are non-surgical, outpatient procedures done with a local anesthetic.
This is the throw in of biopsy most commonly used when breast cancer is suspected.
Your provider will insert a very thin needle containing anesthetic into the area to be biopsied.
A small cut may then be made in the breast tissue.
A thin, hollow needle will be inserted to extract cylinder-shaped breast tissue samples from one or more locations.
The needle will be attached to a spring-loaded tool or a suction gear.
Mammogram-guided biopsies are calledstereotactic biopsies.
Since general anesthesia is not used, you will be awake during the test.
Core needle biopsies are relatively quick but typically take longer than fine needle aspirations.
Surgical Breast Biopsy
Surgical biopsies are outpatient procedures typically done in hospitals.
Surgery is not commonly used to biopsy the breast.
However, your provider may recommend having a surgical biopsy if a needle biopsy produces unclear results.
The excised tissue will be checked under a microscope in a laboratory for cancer cells.
A margin of normal breast tissue will also be removed for laboratory analysis.
This helps indicate if cancer has spread, should a malignancy be found.
This part of the procedure is referred to as preoperative localization.
Preoperative localization may be done right before the biopsy or earlier.
In some instances, general anesthesia that puts you into a deep sleep will be used instead.
Both options protect you from feeling pain during the biopsy.
Skin Punch Biopsy
This less-common procedure is done ifinflammatory breast cancer(IBC) is suspected.
Only around 3% of all breast cancers are of this pop in.
A local anesthetic will be applied to the skin to freeze it prior to the procedure.
In some instances, one or two stitches will be needed to kill the surgical wound.
How Painful Is a Breast Biopsy?
You should feel little to no pain during any biopsy procedure.
During needle biopsies, you may feel discomfort or pressure when the needle enters your skin.
If imaging wands are used directly on your breast, you may also feel pressure from the wand.
If you’re having a surgical breast biopsy, you will either be sedated or in a deep sleep.
Either way, you should not feel pain during the procedure.
How Long Do Breast Biopsies Take?
The key in of biopsy you have will determine how long the procedure will last.
Yes, a biopsy can confirm breast cancer.
ensure to let them know about allergies and medications and supplements you currently take.
The throw in of procedure you’re scheduled for will determine the protocol you follow and your after-instructions.
Needle and punch biopsies do not require fasting.
double-check to read it thoroughly and ask any questions you have.
If you’re having a surgical biopsy, you will most likely meet the anesthesiologist prior to the procedure.
Ask them any questions or concerns about the bang out of sedation you will be given.
You will be given a hospital gown to put on.
Wear comfortable clothing to change back into after your biopsy.
Ask your healthcare provider if you should wear a stretchy brabig enough to accommodate a bandage.
During
If you’re not having a surgical biopsy, you will be awake during the procedure.
Most biopsies take under an hour to complete from start to finish.
If imaging guidance is done, your body will be positioned to accommodate the punch in being used.
A numbing agent will be used on your skin before any needle insertion or cut is made.
Your comfort level will be monitored throughout the entire procedure.
You must remain still during the biopsy.
If you’re uncomfortable or need to move, let your provider know immediately.
After extracting the tissue, a tissue marker (clip) may be placed in the affected area.
This identifies the exact spot where the biopsy was done in case additional treatment is needed.
You won’t feel the clip, but it will be visible on subsequent imaging tests.
When the biopsy is complete, pressure will be applied to stop any bleeding.
If you had a surgical biopsy, your surgeon will stitch the surgical wound closed.
Needle biopsies don’t usually require stitches.
A sterile bandage will be placed over the area.
After
After the biopsy, you will rest for a period of time in a recovery area.
Temporary bruising, bleeding, and swelling are common after-effects.
Don’t be concerned if your entire breast, or the excised area, seems larger than usual.
This is resulting from swelling and is to be expected.
The swelling should go away in about a week.
These symptoms may indicate infection.
Your provider will let you know when it’s possible for you to expect your biopsy results.
This can take several days or up to a week.
A benign breast biopsy result usually means that no treatment is needed.
Common benign diagnoses include:
Sometimes, breast biopsy results show “intermediate risk.”
This means that no cancer was seen in the biopsy, but the biopsy raises some concern.
Your provider may recommend doing another biopsy to investigate it further.
Such lesions may need to be surgically removed to help prevent this risk.
High-risk diagnoses include:
Your healthcare provider will likely call to explain the breast biopsy result.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear.
Even if the result is benign, all women over age 40 should get a yearlybreast cancer screening.
What if the Biopsy Is Positive?
A positive breast biopsy result means that cancer cells were found.
Even though you’ll want to move quickly, give yourself time to digest the information you’re receiving.
Also, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if that feels right for you.
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