A breast biopsy is a medical procedure to take a sample of breast tissue for testing. Until the breast tissue will be examined in a laboratory by a specialist in blood and body tissue analysis (pathologist). That way, the doctor can make a diagnosis.
This medical procedure is usually recommended if someone has suspicious symptoms in the breast. Such as a lump in the breast or other signs and breast cancer. A breast biopsy can also be used to investigate unusual friends on a mammogram, ultrasound, or other breast exam.
The results of a breast biopsy can show whether the suspicious area is breast cancer or not. The pathology report from a breast biopsy can help your doctor determine whether additional surgery or other treatments are needed.
Benefits of Breast Biopsy
Meanwhile, some of the benefits of breast biopsy are:
- To check for lumps that can be felt or touched in the breast.
- To check for problems seen on a mammogram, such as small calcium deposits in the breast tissue (microcalcifications) or fluid-filled masses (cysts).
- To evaluate nipple problems, such as bleeding from the nipple.
- To find out whether a lump in the breast is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
- The presence of a lump or other problematic condition in the breast, which may be caused by cancer.
Purpose of Breast Biopsy
The purpose of a breast biopsy is to investigate the presence of a lump in the breast. Although most breast lumps are not cancerous. Doctors will usually recommend a breast biopsy if they find something suspicious from a mammogram or breast ultrasound, or if a lump is found during a physical examination.
A breast biopsy can also be performed if there are changes to the nipple, including:
- Bleeding.
- Hardening of the skin.
- Dimpled skin.
- Change in breast size or lump.
When Should You Do a Breast Biopsy?
The doctor will recommend performing a breast biopsy if there is one or more of the following situations:
- There is a lump or thickening in the breast, and the doctor is concerned that it could be breast cancer.
- The mammogram results showed a suspicious area in the breast.
- Something suspicious was found during a breast ultrasound examination.
- There were suspicious findings during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination.
- There are any unusual changes in the nipple or areola, such as hardening of the skin or unusual discharge.
Breast Biopsy Procedure
The recommended breast biopsy procedure depends on:
- Size of the lump and suspicious area.
- Location of the lump.
- Number of suspicious areas.
- Personal preference.
The doctor will then take a tissue sample through surgery or through a minimally invasive biopsy procedure. These procedures offer:
- Less scarring.
- Less pain.
- Lower risk of infection.
- Shorter recovery time.
- Can immediately return to daily activities as usual.
Some types of minimally invasive procedures are:
1. Fine needle aspiration
The doctor uses a thin needle to take a sample of blood cells from the area. If the lump is a cyst (fluid-filled sac), this procedure may cause it to collapse. The fluid will be looked at under a microscope for signs of cancer. If the lump is solid, the cells will need to be examined further.
2. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy
This procedure involves inserting a needle into the breast tissue. Ultrasound (USG) can help pinpoint the exact location of potential problem spots, so the needle can be directed to the right place. A tissue sample is then taken through the needle. Ultrasound can also tell the difference between a cyst and a solid lesion.
3. Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy
This procedure is done with the help of a suction device, to take fluid and cells through a needle. This method can reduce the use of needles inserted to take samples.
4. Stereotactic biopsy
The medical professional will focus on the area to be tested through a specially designed instrument window. This procedure is performed with a tool in the form of a mammogram film or SCOUT film so that the radiologist can examine the area to be biopsied.
After using a local anesthetic, the doctor will make a small hole in the skin. He or she will insert a needle into the breast tissue, and computerized images can help ensure proper placement. Then a tissue sample is taken through the needle.
Meanwhile, breast biopsy with surgical procedures includes:
1. Open excisional biopsy
This is a surgical procedure to remove the entire lump. The tissue is then examined under a microscope. If the doctor removes some normal breast tissue around the lump (lumpectomy), a biopsy can also be considered a breast cancer treatment.
In this technique, the doctor can insert a wire through a needle into the area to be biopsied. Meanwhile, X-rays help make sure it is in the right place, and a small hook on the end of the wire holds it in place. The surgeon uses the wire as a guide to find suspicious tissue.
2. Sentinel node biopsy
This method can help ensure that only the lymph nodes most likely to be affected by cancer are removed. It can pinpoint the first lymph node that drains the tumor (sentinel node).
To find it, doctors will insert a radioactive tracer, a blue dye, or both in the area around the tumor. This can help them figure out which lymph nodes receive drainage from the breast first.
One to three sentinel nodes are usually removed and tested for cancer. If the sentinel node is positive, there may be other positive lymph nodes upstream. If it is negative, then all nodes are likely negative.
After a surgical breast biopsy, watch for signs of infection or swelling in your arm or hand. Call your doctor right away if you notice fluid buildup, redness, or other signs of infection. The cells or tissue removed will be examined by a pathologist, who will then diagnose any suspicious tissue changes.