A lump or other change in the breast is not necessarily a sign of cancer. There are many breast conditions that are benign, or noncancerous.
To know for sure, your health care provider may order a breast biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample to be checked in a lab for signs of cancer. This procedure may be the only way to be certain that a breast problem is breast cancer.
The experience of a having a biopsy will differ, depending on what type is required. If a biopsy is recommended for you, find out what type you will be having so you will know what to expect. The three main types are fine needle aspiration biopsy, core biopsy and surgical biopsy.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy may be done to remove some cells from a breast lump or lymph node. A thin needle is inserted to reach the affected area of your breast, and a syringe is used to draw out (aspirate) the cells that will be sent to the lab for analysis. If breast cancer is diagnosed by FNA, it is not possible to say whether the type is invasive or not.
You may experience some temporary bleeding or soreness from the needle wound.
A core biopsy removes a sample of affected breast cells and the tissue surrounding them. The technician may use X-ray or ultrasound as a visual guide when performing the core biopsy. The breast is usually anesthetized (frozen by injection) to dull the discomfort.
A core biopsy can distinguish between invasive and noninvasive breast cancers.
You may experience some temporary swelling, bleeding or soreness from the needle wound. There may also be minor bruising.
A surgical biopsy is an operation to remove the breast tissue sample to be tested. Depending on the nature and location of the lump or breast change, a surgical biopsy may be the best option. A surgical biopsy may remove all or part of the lump or affected area, and may also remove a small amount of the surrounding normal tissue.
A local anesthetic may be used to numb the area, or the procedure may be done under general anesthetic.
You may experience some temporary swelling, bleeding, minor bruising or soreness from the surgical wound. There will also be a scar at the site of the surgery that tends to fade with time
Biopsy results
After the tissue sample has been examined in the lab, your health care provider will receive a report stating whether the tissue is benign (not cancer), cancerous, or if the result is not certain. Your health care provider will discuss the results with you, including whether any follow-up is necessary.
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