MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Breast biopsy

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Breast biopsy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Female Breast

Needle biopsy of the breast

Open biopsy of the breast

Breast lump removal - series

Female breast biopsy

Alternative names Return to top

Biopsy - breast

Definition Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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.
If you take medications (including aspirin or herbals), ask your doctor whether to discontinue these before the biopsy.

How the test will feel Return to top

There may be a sharp, stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is administered. During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure.

After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. If an incision is made, pain medication will probably be prescribed. For needle biopsy, over-the-counter pain medication should enough.

Why the test is performed Return to top

A biopsy is the only way to determine if tissue is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Normal Values Return to top

A normal result means there is no sign of cancer.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Benign tumors include:

Cancerous tumors include:

Adenocarcinoma
Colloid carcinoma
Cystosarcoma
Infiltrating carcinoma
Inflammatory carcinoma
Intraductal carcinoma
Lobular carcinoma
Medullary or circumscribed carcinoma
Sarcoma

Ask your doctor about your specific condition and how it applies to you.

What the risks are Return to top

There is a slight chance of infection at the injection or incision site.
Excessive bleeding is rare, but may require draining or re-bandaging. Bruising is common.
There will be a scar. Depending on the amount of tissue removed and how the breast heals, the appearance of the breast may be affected.
Depending on the results of the biopsy, further surgery or treatment may be needed.

Special considerations Return to top

Most breast lumps are detected during a manual breast exam or mammography. A discharge from the nipple may indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor. Even if the biopsy results are benign, discuss ongoing breast screening with your doctor.

Update Date: 11/6/2003

Updated by: Grace Jeon, M.D., M.P.H., General Surgeon, Pasadena, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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