A Biopsy — A small sample of tissue removed for analysis in the laboratory — is the only test that can tell if cancer is present. Biopsies can provide important information about an unusual breast change and help determine whether surgery is needed and if so, the type of surgery required.
Types of Biopsies include:
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy
The doctor uses a thin, hollow needle to withdraw cells from the lump. He or she then analyzes the specimen under the microscope to look for abnormal cells.
Core Needle Biopsy
A Radiologist or Surgeon uses a hollow needle to remove tissue samples from a breast lump. The advantage of a core needle biopsy is that it removes more tissue for analysis.
Stereotactic Biopsy
This technique is used to sample and evaluate areas of concern, such as clusters of microcalcifications that were seen on the patient’s mammography. During the procedure, a radiologist trained in doing this procedure removes a tissue sample via a core needle, using stereo mammographic images as a guide. Stereotactic biopsy procedures are minimally invasive and are performed using local anesthesia. The entire procedure takes approximately one hour.
Wire Localization
A woman’s doctor may recommend this technique when a lump is seen on a mammogram but cannot be evaluated with a Stereotactic Biopsy. Using a woman’s mammogram as a guide, a thin wire is placed in the breast and the tip guided to the lump. Wire localization is usually performed right before a surgical biopsy and is a way to guide the surgeon to the area of concern.
Surgical Biopsy
This remains one of the most accurate methods for determining whether a breast change is cancerous; however, this procedure is the most invasive of the biopsy techniques . During this procedure, the surgeon removes all or part of a breast lump. In general, a small lump will be completely removed (excisional biopsy). If the lump is large, only a sample will be taken (incisional biopsy). The biopsy is generally performed on an outpatient basis in a clinic or hospital.