Breast biopsy

Alternative names:

biopsy of the breast

Definition:

A procedure that involves obtaining a sample of breast tissue and analyzing it in a laboratory for signs of cancer or other disorders.

How the test is performed:

There are 2 methods used to obtain the sample. One is a needle biopsy, and the other is called an open biopsy.

NEEDLE BIOPSY
You undress to the waist and sit or recline. The injection site is cleaned and sterilized, then injected with a local anesthetic. A syringe is then injected into the lesion or lump to be studied. Fluid may be removed first, then a tissue sample is obtained. The fluid is stored in a special tube, and the tissue sample is placed in a specimen bottle with preservative.

Once the tissue sample has been taken, the needle is removed and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage will be applied to absorb any fluid. Sometimes ultrasound or mammography is used to guide the proper placement of the biopsy needle.

OPEN BIOPSY
This method is also called a lumpectomy. You undress to the waist and sit or recline. A mammogram may be performed to pinpoint a small abnormality, and a thin guidewire is inserted into the lesion to help the surgeon. A local or general anesthetic is administered (depending on the size of the mass and your condition), and an incision is made to expose the lump. The entire mass may be removed (if smaller than 2 cm), or part may be excised (removed) if the lump is larger. The tissue may be tested before the entire lump is removed.

After the tissue sample is taken, the incision is sutured and a dressing and bandage are applied.

If general anesthesia is administered, vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored for at least 1 hour after completion of the procedure. Pain medication may be prescribed.

How to prepare for the test:

Your medical history will be taken, and a manual breast examination performed. You must sign an informed consent form. For patients requiring general anesthesia, fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the test may be recommended.

How the test will feel:

There may be a sharp, stinging sensation when the anesthetic is administered. During the procedure, there should be no pain and only slight discomfort.

After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. Pain medication will probably be prescribed if an incision is made. Over-the-counter pain medication should be satisfactory for most needle biopsy patients.

Why the test is performed:

A biopsy is the only way to determine if tissue is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Update Date: 02/09/00 Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial