Details of Breast Biopsy

It is a procedure to take a sample out of breast tissues for laboratory testing. It is the best way to check if any portion of the breast is cancerous.

May include:

• Unusual nipple
• Bloody discharge
• Crusting
• Dimpling skin
• Scaling

May include:

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound
• Mammogram
• MRI scan

Types of breast biopsies:

Fine needle biopsy: During which, the surgeon will extract sample with the help of a fine needle and syringe from the lump while you lie on a table.

Core needle biopsy: During which, the surgeon uses a slight larger needle to extract the samples.

Stereotactic biopsy: During which, you lie stomach down on the table with a hole. The breast is firmly placed between tow plates crossing the hole and surgeon will extract a sample through an incision.

MRI-guided: In which you lie stomach down on a table with breast in a depression on the table. An MRI machine will guide the surgeon to extract a sample through an incision.

Surgical biopsy: It basically involves extracting of a breast mass surgically.

May include:

• Bruising and swelling
• Infection 
• Bleeding
• Change in appearance 
• Soreness at the injection site