Breast Biopsy is a few minutes surgical procedure done to collect breast tissues with the help of a biopsy needle. The collected tissues are later sent to the lab to check the presence of breast cancer or the growth of abnormal cells.

The grounds for this procedure include visible signs and symptoms of cancer cells or any developments of breast lumps. The pathology report obtained from the lab can help determine if additional surgery or a suitable treatment is needed.

Different tests, such as

mammogram,
ultrasound,
other breast exam

can significantly control the growth of cancer cells in the breast at an early stage and prevent or delay further damage. In the United States, it has been reported that women of ages 40 to 74 go for mammograms every 2 years.

Types

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy:
- A thin needle is used to extract tissue from the breast concerned. There is no cut involved and does not take more than 15 minutes. This biopsy makes sure if the area is a fluid-filled sac (cyst) or a solid lump.

Core needle biopsy:
- A large needle is targeted into the lump or breast. Small cylinders of tissue, known as cores, are removed. No cut is needed.

Open (surgical) biopsy:
- A cut or incision is made in the breast. The surgeon removes part or all of the tissue. In some cases the lump may be small, deep, and difficult to find. In such a case, a procedure called wire localization may also be used. For this, a thin needle with a very thin wire is put into the breast. X-ray images make sure the guide reaches the lump. The surgeon then follows this wire to find the lump.

Breast Biopsy and Why it is Needed

Your doctor may advise this procedure if:

You or your doctor notice a lump or thickening in your breast for suspicion of breast cancer.
Your mammography reveals a distressful spot in your breast.
An ultrasound scan or breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows a disturbing finding.
You experience odd nipple or areola changes, such as crusting, scaling, dimpling skin, or a bloody discharge.

Procedure

1) Pre-Procedure

It is the first step in which patient decides about breast biopsy and an appointment with the surgeon, which includes:

Signing of a consent form that allows the surgeon to proceed with breast surgery. Read the form thoroughly and where there is doubt, clear them before going ahead.
Avoid drinking or eating before the surgery and detailed instructions can be sought from the surgeon.
Stop the use of various lotions such as cream powder, perfume on the underarm or breast on the day of surgery.
Notify the healthcare expert in case of pregnancy or contemplating having a child.
Any reaction to certain medications or anesthesia drugs should be revealed to the healthcare provider.
History of bleeding disorders, intake of blood-thinning drugs or medicines that affect blood-clotting should also be discussed.

2) During the Procedure

This procedure is carried out in-clinic, meaning you can go home the same day or you can choose hospitalization.

Normally the surgery involves suitable steps that are mentioned below for:

3) Needle breast biopsy

Removing clothes beyond the waist-up and you will be wearing a loose medical gown that gives easy access to the surgery area.
You will be seated in a suitable position, and if required, X-ray or ultrasound may be required.
With a sterile solution, the biopsy location will be cleaned.
Now a needle stick to produce a sedation effect will make the part numb so that the biopsy procedure can smoothly start.
Ultrasound is made use of when a probe is brought near your breast to locate the cancer cells or the infected breast lump.
Stereotactic imaging will make sure you lie face down while your breasts are settled in an opening on the table. A computer determines the perfect location of the infected lump.
You have to be motionless or maintain calm while the surgery goes on.
The healthcare expert will make a small cut in the region of the infected lump and suitably insert the needle into the biopsy site. A sample of the tissue is taken off. You may feel heavy or under some pressure when the sample is removed.
To stop the bleeding, pressure is applied.
If required, the opened cut is closed with sutures and a dressing or bandage that is sterile is applied.
The tissue is sent to the lab for an examination.

4) Post-Procedure

Depending on the type of biopsy and the anesthesia employed, will determine your recovery. If you plan for same-day procedure then you will be shifted to the patient ward room where your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored and once all is normal you may proceed to your home.

If you plan for hospitalization, then you will require someone else to take you home.

How Soon is the Breast Biopsy Result Out

1 to 2 weeks is the normal time for the biopsy result, but sometimes this varies. The below factors that affect the biopsy result include:

Processing time.
If the test requires certain stains or techniques.
If the pathologist needs to examine more samples.
If your healthcare professional or pathologist requires a second opinion.

Risks

Each procedure comes with certain risks, and various complications arising out of this procedure include:

Harmful and mild pain or soreness developed at the biopsy location.
Extended bleeding from the biopsy site.
Breast look is altered and depends on how the breast recovers and how much tissue is separated.