Breast biopsy
Key points
- A breast biopsy is a procedure that obtains a sample of breast tissue and analyzes it in a laboratory for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.
- Breast tissue samples may be obtained by a needle biopsy or open biopsy.
- The injection site is cleaned, then injected with a local anesthetic.
- An open biopsy may remove part (incisional biopsy) or all (excisional biopsy) of the area of interest.
Alternative names
Biopsy - breast
Definition
A breast biopsy is a procedure that obtains a sample of breast tissue and analyzes it in a laboratory for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.
How the test is performed
Breast tissue samples may be obtained by a needle biopsy or open biopsy. The sample may consist of connective tissue, fat lobules, or milk ducts.
If the area of interest cannot be felt or is difficult to find, x-ray or ultrasound imaging may be used to help locate it. For an imaging-guided needle biopsy, imaging is used at the same time as the biopsy. For an open biopsy that requires imaging, the area of interest is marked with a needle or wire prior to surgery.
NEEDLE BIOPSY
The injection site is cleaned, then injected with a local anesthetic. Fluid or cells may be removed with a needle attached to a syringe (fine needle aspiration), but removal of a piece of tissue requires a special needle apparatus. Several samples may be taken from the same area. When imaging is used, a small metal clip may be placed into the breast in the area of the biopsy to mark it for future mammograms.
Once the tissue sample has been taken, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage will be applied to absorb any fluid.
OPEN BIOPSY
An open biopsy may remove part (incisional biopsy) or all (excisional biopsy) of the area of interest. If the entire lump or area of interest is removed, this method may also be called a lumpectomy.
Usually, you lie on your back for the procedure. Depending on the patient and the size of the lump, choices of anesthesia include local anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia. An incision is made and breast tissue removed. Sometimes, testing is done for a preliminary diagnosis at the time of the procedure, but obtaining a final diagnosis requires more time.
After the tissue sample is taken, the incision is sutured, and a dressing and bandage are applied.
If general anesthesia is administered, vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored for at least an hour after completion of the procedure. Pain medication may be prescribed.
How to prepare for the test
- Your medical history will be taken, and a manual breast exam performed.
- An informed consent form must be signed. If you are going to have general anesthesia, you may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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