Breast biopsy enables the doctor to evaluate a suspicious area to determine whether or not it is breast cancer. The samples of tissue are used to identify and diagnose abnormalities. These abnormalities may appear in the cells that make up breast lumps, or may present in other unusual breast changes, that are suspicious or concerning. There are several types of breast biopsy procedures. After the biopsy, the lab report will assist with determining if additional surgery or treatment is warranted. Windsong Breast Care Surgeons Dr. Katherine O’Donnell & Dr. Michael Peyser can be reached at 716-626-6300.
Why you may need a breast biopsy:
- A lump or thickening is felt in your breast, and your doctor suspects breast cancer
- A suspicious finding identified on your mammogram
- A suspicious finding identified on your ultrasound
- A suspicious finding identified on your breast MRI
- You have unusual nipple changes which could include crusting, scaling, dimpling skin or a bloody discharge
Risks associated with a breast biopsy:
- Bruising and swelling of the breast
- Infection or bleeding at the biopsy site
- Altered breast appearance, depending on how much tissue is removed and how your breast heals
- Additional surgery or other treatment, depending on biopsy results
Prior to your biopsy, tell your doctor if you:
- Have any allergies
- Have taken aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications in the last five days
- Are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)
- Are unable to lie on your stomach for an extended period of time
- Are having an MRI biopsy and have a cardiac pacemaker or other electronic device implanted in your body or if you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Your doctor may recommend a particular biopsy procedure based on the size, location and other characteristics of the area of concern. Please don’t hesitate to ask for clarification about the type of biopsy that you are having.
Types of Breast Biopsy
Fine-needle aspiration/biopsy. The simplest type of breast biopsy may be used to evaluate a lump that can be felt during a clinical breast exam. You will lie on a table, and the doctor will direct a very thin needle attached to a syringe that collects a sample of cells or fluid from the lump. This type of aspiration can quickly distinguish between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass and, possibly avoid a more invasive biopsy procedure. If a solid mass is detected, very small samples will be obtained. Slides are prepared with the small samples and sent to a lab for analysis. This sampling is much smaller than tissue sampling with a core needle biopsy. This is usually done with ultrasound guidance if performed by a radiologist.
Core needle biopsy. This type of biopsy is used to assess a breast abnormality visible on a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI. During this biopsy your radiologist uses a thin, hollow needle with image guidance to remove tissue samples from the area of concern which is sent to a laboratory for testing. Several small samples, about the size of a grain of rice, are collected and analyzed for the presence of disease.
After a breast biopsy
After your biopsy, please do not hesitate to contact your doctor if:
- You develop a fever
- The biopsy site becomes red or warm
- You have unusual drainage from the biopsy site
Any of the above symptoms can be signs of an infection that may require prompt treatment. Please contact your primary care physician or your Gynecologist immediately, if there is any sign of infection.
Having a bra on after the biopsy is helpful as you are able to place a cold pack against the biopsy site and support the breast that was biopsied.
We will send you home with bandages and an ice pack over the biopsy site. You will be able to resume normal activities within a day. Bruising is quite common after core needle biopsies. In order to ease your pain and discomfort after a breast biopsy, you may take a non-aspirin pain reliever containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) and apply a cold pack as needed to reduce swelling.
Results
After the biopsy procedure, your breast tissue is sent to a lab, where a doctor (pathologist) examines the samples using a microscope and special procedures. It may be several days before the results of a core needle biopsy are available. The pathologist will prepare a pathology report that is sent to your doctor and you will be informed of the results, including details about the size, location, and whether cancer, noncancerous (benign) changes or precancerous cells were found.
Normal results or benign breast changes
Your radiologist may find that your imaging results suggest a more-suspicious lesion such as breast cancer or precancerous lesion, but your pathology report may reveal normal breast tissue. If this is the case, more tissue to further evaluate the area may be needed and you may be recommended to consult a breast surgeon. If your radiologist feels that the biopsy pathology results are consistent with the imaging findings, you will be advised to have follow up imaging in 6 months to closely monitor the area.
If breast cancer is present
Information about the cancer including the type of breast cancer you have and whether it is hormone receptor positive or negative will be available. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the Windsong Breast Care team of doctors and navigators are here to assist you. As a Nationally Accredited Breast Program of Excellence, Windsong Breast Care is held to the highest standards of care for patients with diseases of the breast – working together to provide the most efficient and contemporary breast care using scientific evidence about what works best for patientsPlease call our team at 716.626.6300 and we will help you navigate the necessary next steps. You are not alone in your battle against breast cancer.
