Breast Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of cells or tissue for examination under the microscope.  It is the only method to definitely determine whether a condition is cancer. Biopsies can be performed using a needle or surgery, depending on the size and location of the lesion. 

These are common biopsy techniques:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a very small needle to remove a sample of cells.  This is a relatively simple procedure done under local anesthesia, often in the doctor’s office. 
• Core needle biopsy is similar to FNA but uses a larger needle to withdraw cylinders or cores of tissue from the abnormal areas in the breast.  It is also done under local anesthesia, often in the doctor's office.  It takes longer than FNA but yields more tissue and gives more defined results.
• An image guided biopsy is used when a mammogram reveals an abnormality that cannot be felt in a clinical examination.  This procedure uses imaging – mammography, ultrasound or MRI – to guide the surgeon to the abnormal area.
• Surgical biopsy involves an actual incision and the removal of all or part of the lump.  If the entire lump is removed, it is called an excisional biopsy; if only part, it is an incisional biopsy.  In most cases, doctors recommend a core biopsy prior to any surgery for suspicious breast lumps.

If the Biopsy is Negative – Non-Cancerous
Most lumps are not cancerous, so most biopsies are negative.  If you do not have cancer, you still need to know the diagnosis to get the appropriate follow-up care.  Some benign breast conditions do increase your risk of developing breast cancer later, whereas others do not.  If you have other risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer, more frequent follow-up may be necessary.