What You Should Know Before a Breast Biopsy

A biopsy is the only way to determine whether cells are malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Needing a biopsy does not necessarily mean you have cancer; its purpose is to clarify a suspicion. If cancer is found, analysis of the biopsy tissue using different techniques helps establish its genetic characteristics, biology, and risk of growth and spread, informing which treatments and medicines may work. Many women fear biopsies and feel anxious, but we will explain facts about the procedure to help you feel more comfortable and reduce stress.

Why Is a Biopsy Needed? 

• If you or your doctor feel a breast lump ; 
• If mammography shows a suspicious area;
• If an ultrasound scan reveals a suspicious finding; 
• If breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) reveals a suspicious finding; 
• If there are unusual nipple changes such as crusting, dimpling, or bloody discharge.

- Related Topic: What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer? A Palpable Breast Lump? (Detailed)

There Are Three Types of Biopsy 

• Fine needle aspiration
• Core needle biopsy
• Surgical (excisional) biopsy

Core needle biopsy is the method we recommend for the breast.

What You Should Know Before a Biopsy

1. It Is a Simple, Quick Procedure: All breast biopsy methods take approximately 10-15 minutes, and you can return home the same day.
2. You Will Not Feel Pain: The biggest source of anxiety is often the belief that the procedure will be very painful. However, there is little or no pain. The biopsy area is anesthetized, so you feel no pain while remaining awake. 
3. You Most Likely Do Not Have Cancer: The good news is that about 80% of breast biopsies in women show benign findings rather than breast cancer. According to studies, 20% show breast cancer.
4. Tell Your Doctor the Following Before a Biopsy:
   • Whether you have allergies;
   • Whether you have taken aspirin in the past week;
   • Whether you take any blood-thinning medicines;
   • If MRI is required, whether you are pregnant.
5. Keep These Points in Mind When Preparing:
   • Talking to family and friends about fear and tension while awaiting your biopsy can be reassuring. As noted, the procedure is not difficult and is painless.
   • Wearing a sports bra when you attend makes it easier to apply an ice compress to the biopsy area afterward.
   • A biopsy is an important, safe procedure. It enables early cancer detection and treatment before the complications associated with a later diagnosis arise.
6. After the Biopsy: Women generally have no complaints about the procedure. Even a very small, faint mark usually disappears within a few months. After the biopsy, the breast tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. A pathologist prepares a report and sends it to your treating doctor, who shares the results with you. 

Related Topic

What Do Dysplasia, Metaplasia, Atrophy, Hyperplasia, and Hypertrophy—Terms Often Seen in Pathology Reports—Mean?