Breast biopsy

Breast biopsy . It is a procedure in which samples of breast tissue are removed with a special needle for biopsy or during surgery to check for cancer or other abnormal cells. More than 80% of breast biopsies are normal. Early detection through mammograms , improved screening methods, and monthly self exams is saving thousands of lives each year.

Table of Contents

Summary

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1 Alternative names
2 Reasons why the exam is performed
3 How the test is performed
4 How the test will feel
5 Meaning of abnormal results
6 Possible complications
- 1 Factors that can increase the risk of complications
7 Sources

Alternative names

Open breast biopsy, breast biopsy

Reasons why the test is performed

Breast biopsies can be done for different reasons, including:

To evaluate a palpable lump or mass (that can be felt by touch) in the breast
Investigate a mammogram- detected abnormality , such as microcalcifications (small calcium deposits in the breast tissue) or a cyst (fluid-filled mass)
Assess nipple abnormalities, such as bloody discharge from the nipple
Determine if a breast lump or mass is malignant (cancerous) or benign

Breast biopsies may be done: to evaluate a palpable lump or mass (which can be felt by touch) in the breast to investigate an abnormality detected on a mammogram, such as microcalcifications (small calcium deposits in the breast tissue) or a cyst (fluid-filled mass) to evaluate abnormalities of the nipple, such as bloody discharge from the nipple to determine if a lump or lump of the breast is malignant (cancerous) or benign.It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or a Abnormal area on a mammogram can be caused by cancer or other less serious problems. It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram can be caused by cancer or other less serious problems.

Ultrasound or abnormal mammogram image

Biopsy can identify the area as either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

How the test is performed

Generally, the patient lies on their back to perform this procedure. You can apply local anesthesia with medication to induce sleep or you can receive general anesthesia, in the latter vital signs are monitored (temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure) for at least one hour after completing the procedure. A surgical incision is made in the skin. The surgeon follows the wire or needle and removes the breast tissue around it. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed under a microscope. This test will ensure that all of the tumor has been removed. Obtaining a final diagnosis takes more time. After the tissue sample is taken, the incision is sutured and a dressing and bandage are applied. With biopsy, part or all of the area of interest can be removed. If the entire tumor or area of interest is removed, this method is also called a lumpectomy. If the surgeon cannot feel the tumor or cyst easily, an ultrasound of the breast , an MRI, or a mammogram may be used.to find it before the biopsy . A needle or wire is placed in the area during the imaging exam and can be left in place to help the surgeon find the tumor.

How the test will feel

After the exam, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. In the event that a surgical incision has been made, the physician may prescribe pain relievers. The pain will usually be mild and easy to control with over-the-counter pain relievers. The patient can probably go home the same day as the procedure. You should not perform any heavy lifting or showering for the first 24 hours after the biopsy.

Meaning of abnormal results

With biopsy, many conditions that are not cancer or pre-cancer can be identified, such as:

Adenofibroma
Fibrocystic disease of the breast
Intraductal papilloma
Necrosis of breast fat

Precancerous conditions in the breasts can also be detected, such as:

Atypical ductal hyperplasia
Atypical lobular hyperplasia

Several main types of breast cancer can be found on a biopsy:

The ductal carcinoma (canalicular) begins in the ducts that carry milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
The lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules that produce milk.
The Paget ‘s disease is a rare type of cancer that forms in the area of the nipple.
The breast cancer inflammatory is a rare type of cancer that causes the skin over the infected breast look.

Depending on the results of the biopsy, more surgery or treatment may be needed.

Possible complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely risk-free. Among the possible complications that this type of procedure may occur are:

Bleeding
Infection
Bruises
Cicatrization
Tissue damage
Deformity of the breast
Numbness of the biopsy area

Factors that can increase the risk of complications

Some factors that can increase the risk of complications include:

Obesity
Smoking
Poor nutrition
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes
Hemorrhagic disorder