Breast Needle Biopsy(Biopsy, Breast Needle; Breast Needle Aspiration; Aspiration, Breast Needle; Fine Needle Aspiration; Aspiration, Fine Needle; Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy; Biopsy, Stereotactic Core Needle; MRI-guided Breast Biopsy; Biopsy, MRI-guided Breast; Vacuum-assisted Device Biopsy; Biopsy, Vacuum-assisted Device; Ultrasound-directed Needle Biopsy; Biopsy, Ultrasound-directed Needle)
by
Editorial Staff And Contributors Click here to view an animated version of this procedure. DefinitionBreast needle biopsy is the removal of a sample of breast tissue using a needle. The sample is examined under a microscope. There are different types of breast needle biopsies: Reasons for ProcedureBreast needle biopsy is done to examine a suspicious area in the breast. It may be done if any of the following are found:
The biopsy can identify the area as either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Possible ComplicationsProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include: What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureYour doctor may do the following:
Leading up to the biopsy:
AnesthesiaYou may receive local anesthesia. If this is the case, the area that is being operated on will be numbed. Description of the ProcedureThe doctor will choose from several types of biopsies to get a tissue sample: Fine Needle AspirationThe skin over the area will be cleaned. A small needle will be inserted into the breast tissue. Fluid and/or tissue will be removed. The needle may be removed and re-inserted more than one time. After this is done, the doctor will apply pressure to the area and cover the spot with a bandage.
Ultrasound-directed Needle BiopsyAn ultrasound device is used to locate the area where the biopsy needs to be taken. After the location is found, a small needle will be inserted in the breast tissue. Samples of fluid and/or tissue will be removed. A bandage will be applied after the needle is removed. Stereotactic Core Needle BiopsyThe doctor may have you lie down on your stomach or sit depending on the equipment being used. Mammogram or ultrasound images will be taken to locate the suspicious area. The doctor will make a tiny cut in your breast and insert a special probe. Using the probe, the doctor will remove several core samples of breast tissue from the area. After this is done, the area will be covered with a bandage. MRI-guided Breast BiopsyIn some instances, the suspicious area can only be seen using an MRI scan. Because of this, an MRI-guided breast biopsy may be needed. This procedure takes more time. Tell your doctor if you have a cardiac pacemaker. It may affect the procedure. How Long Will It Take?It will take less than 1 hour. After the procedure, the tissue collected will be sent to a pathologist who will look at it under a microscope. It may take about 2-5 days to receive the test results. Will It Hurt?There will be slight pain in your breast after the biopsy. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication. Post-procedure CareAt HomeHome care will include using medications or taking self-care measures to reduce discomfort. The care staff will give instructions on how to change any bandages. Doing this will help reduce the chance of infection. Call Your DoctorCall your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Breast Cancer Network https://www.cbcn.ca Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca References:Biopsy. Breast Cancer website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated October 7, 2015. Accessed January 29, 2018. Breast biopsy. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/breast-biopsy.html. Updated October 9, 2017. Accessed January 29, 2018.
Breast cancer in women. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated January 23, 2018. Accessed January 29, 2018.
General information about breast cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq. Updated November 2, 2017. Accessed January 29, 2018. Han BK, Schnall MD, Orel SG, Rosen M. Outcome of MRI-guided breast biopsy.
AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008;191(6):1798-1804. Heywang-Köbrunner SH, Sinnatamby R, et al. Interdisciplinary consensus on the uses and technique of MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VAB): results of a European consensus meeting.
Eur J Radiol. 2009;72(2):289-294. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastbius. Updated January 25, 2017. Accessed January 29, 2018. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
|
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |