A breast biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a very small amount of breast tissue is extracted to test for different breast problems, including breast cancer, breast lumps, or other infections and anomalies inside breasts. In this article, you will get to know about breast tissue, biopsy procedures, how breast biopsy is done, why breast biopsy is recommended by doctors, and the complications and risk factors associated with breast biopsy diagnostic procedures.
Breast Biopsy- Procedures
Breast tissue biopsy involves the removal of breast tissue parts through various biopsy techniques. In fine – needle aspiration technique, a sterilised needle is injected inside the breasts and the tissue is extracted through this. The extracted tissues are observed in diagnostic laboratories for the presence of cancerous cells, pathogenic microorganisms, cause for the development of masses, etc.
The reason behind the breast biopsy
You must be wondering why your doctor asked for a breast biopsy after a physical examination of breasts or after getting the reports of a mammogram or other non-invasive diagnostic tests like MRI, CT, and ultrasound.
Physicians do not initially ask for a breast biopsy unless and until they are pretty sure that there is some serious problem inside the breast.
Breast examination sequence
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- 1. Physical breast examination: Doctors first examine the breast physically. This process is called palpation, in which the doctor checks for the presence of lumps, size changes, and symmetry of breast growth while you are undressed from the chest region. The health care personnel examine the skin colour changes, dimpling, rashes, or some redness. Armpits are also examined for the growth of lumps. Nipples are examined for some fluid discharge.
- 2. Non-invasive diagnostic screening: Doctors ask for non-invasive diagnostic tests, and if they find some suspicious activity in the breast tissues that can lead to cancer or some infection, they recommend breast tissue biopsy for a more detailed examination of inside tissues.
- Biopsy of breasts : excision of fatty tissues from the breasts
Want to detect your breast scan stage? Go for breast biopsy
A breast biopsy is an essential diagnostic test to check for cancerous tissue inside the breasts. It is also used to detect the stage of cancer and even which type of cancer is it malignant or benign tumour, etc.
DO’s and Don’ts in breast biopsy.
- 1. Clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothes
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- Remove jewellery: Take out all the metallic ornaments and jewellery before you go.
- 2. Medications: Inform your doctor about the medications that you have in your routine. Your doctor must be aware of your disease conditions in the past. Point out your allergies to some medications, like your doctor must be aware if you are allergic to anaesthesia.
- 3. No supplements: It is strictly advised by doctors
- 4. No driving: Do not drive after a breast biopsy, most importantly after getting sedatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the methods used for a breast biopsy?
- 1. MRI -guided breast needle biopsy
- 2. Fine-needle aspiration
- 3. Stereotactic biopsy
- 4. Surgical biopsy
- 5. Core needle
- 6. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
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Q2. How is the breast biopsy carried out?
Breast tissue biopsy involves the removal of breast tissue parts through various biopsy techniques. The extracted tissues are observed in diagnostic laboratories for the presence of cancerous cells, pathogenic microorganisms, cause for the development of masses, etc.
Q3. Why did my doctor recommend a breast biopsy?
To detect cancerous growth:
A breast biopsy is an essential diagnostic test to check for cancerous tissue inside the breasts. It is also used to detect the stage of cancer and even which type of cancer is it malignant or benign tumour, etc.
To test for different breast problems, including irregular breast shape, breast pain, breast lumps, or other infections and anomalies inside breasts.
Q4. Is it safe to undergo a breast biopsy?
Yes, the procedure of breast biopsy is quite safe. The patient must assure that the laboratory practitioner who will carry out the procedure must be qualified and experienced.
Q5. Does breast biopsy leave any scar?
When the breast tissue biopsy is carried out from recognized and highly qualified practitioners and if you follow the guidelines properly, the breast procedure will not leave a scar. Post treatment care is necessary.
Q6. How much time will a breast biopsy take to heal?
Breast biopsy will take 7-8 weeks for complete healing and to get a normal breast without pain.
Tenderness – it will fade in a week
Bruising– It will go in 2 weeks
Swelling and firmness- It will last till 7th week of the breast biopsy.
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