Breast BiopsyTest Overview
A breast biopsy removes a sample of breast
tissue that is looked at under a microscope to check for
breast cancer. A breast biopsy is usually done to
check a lump found during a breast examination or a suspicious area found on a
mammogram or
ultrasound. See an illustration of the
female breast  . There are several ways to do a breast biopsy. The
sample of breast tissue will be looked at under a microscope to check for
cancer cells. - A fine-needle aspiration biopsy puts a thin needle through the skin, into the lump, and removes
cells to look at. Needle aspiration may be done to see if the lump is solid or
fluid-filled (cyst). If the lump is a cyst, it will go away after the fluid is
removed. If there is no fluid, another type of biopsy will be
done.
- A core needle biopsy uses a large
needle fitted with a special tip. The needle goes through the skin to the lump
or area to take out a sample of tissue about the size of a pencil lead. A core
needle biopsy can also be done using a suction unit that gently removes a
larger sample of tissue.
- A stereotactic biopsy uses a special type
of
X-ray during a core needle biopsy to find the area of
the breast where the biopsy samples will be taken. This technique can check a
lump that cannot be felt on breast examination but is seen on mammogram. A
small incision is then made in the skin of the breast, and the core needle is
guided by the X-ray to the biopsy site to take tissue samples. Stereotactic
biopsy may not be appropriate for all types of breast lumps.
- An
open biopsy makes a cut in the skin and removes a sample
of the lump or the entire lump. If your doctor cannot feel a lump, a needle (or
wire) can be put in the suspicious area during a mammogram done just before
surgery. The needle (or wire) then guides your doctor to the suspicious area to
take a biopsy sample.
More tests or biopsies may be needed if problems are found
during the first biopsy or if your doctor is concerned about a certain area of
your breast.
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