Breast Biopsy

What is a Breast Biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a procedure to collect a small amount of tissue for laboratory analysis. A pathologist looks at the sample under a microscope to determine if cells are cancerous. It is the only conclusive way to diagnose or rule out breast cancer.

At Texas Breast Specialists, breast biopsies are part of our comprehensive approach to breast care. They are essential for evaluating breast conditions and provide valuable information that helps guide treatment.

Conditions diagnosed with breast biopsy

Breast biopsies are used to diagnose breast cancer and benign breast conditions. They are usually the next step after a diagnostic imaging test, such as diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI. Your doctor may order diagnostic imaging tests if you have breast symptoms or an abnormal finding on a routine screening mammogram.

Types of Breast Biopsy

There are several ways to perform a biopsy. For breast concerns, our surgeons select the method based on the size and location of the area of concern. The types of breast biopsies include fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy.

Fine needle aspiration

This type of biopsy is usually done to evaluate fluid-filled cysts or to determine if an area is a cyst or solid mass. Your doctor inserts a thin needle into the abnormal area and draws out (aspirates) a sample of fluid or tissue. They may locate the area by touch if the mass is large. For smaller masses, ultrasound imaging is used to guide the needle.

Core needle biopsy

In this type of biopsy, the needle is hollow, allowing the surgeon to extract a thin cylinder (core) of tissue. Core needle biopsies are often performed in the office with ultrasound guidance. In some cases, mammogram or MRI guidance is needed to place the needle in the correct location. A mammogram-guided breast biopsy is also called a stereotactic biopsy.

Types of needle biopsies

Texas Breast Specialists performs three primary types of needle biopsies: MRI, stereotactic, and ultrasound.

Surgical biopsy

Surgical biopsies are less common but may be necessary if there is no distinct mass or the results of a needle biopsy are not clear. The surgeon may remove part (incisional biopsy) or all (excisional biopsy) of the abnormal area. An excisional biopsy is sometimes referred to as a lumpectomy.

What to Expect with a Breast Biopsy

Since biopsy procedures vary, it’s important to ask your doctor which type of biopsy you will have and what you can expect during and after the procedure.

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is an outpatient procedure, typically done in a doctor’s office with or without numbing medicine, while a core-needle aspiration biopsy, also performed in a doctor’s office, generally requires a local anesthetic due to the size of the needle. A surgical biopsy is most often done in the outpatient surgical facility, either with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

It typically will take at least a few days for you to find out the results. The pathologist will send a detailed report to your doctor with your biopsy results. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have about the report that are critical to understanding your diagnosis and next steps.

FAQs

How long does a breast biopsy take?

A fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy in the office is a quick procedure that typically takes about a half hour. Biopsies using mammogram and MRI guidance take longer, usually about 2 hours.

How many breast biopsies are cancer?

In the U.S., only about 20% of biopsies find cancer.

How long do breast biopsy results take?

Most biopsy results are back within 1 week, but some take longer. Your doctor will let you know what to expect.

While you wait, you may feel stress and uncertainty. Everyone copes with these emotions differently. Look for coping strategies that are right for you. Talking about your feelings and other forms of stress relief can be helpful. Texas Oncology also offers support resources to assist you during this time.

How long does a breast biopsy take to heal?

A needle biopsy may cause minor bleeding, swelling, or bruising. These symptoms are normal. Bleeding and swelling usually go away within a few days to 1 week. Bruising may take a bit longer to heal.

What happens if a breast biopsy is positive?

Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer is not easy. At Texas Oncology, you have a compassionate care team with years of experience on your side. They work with you to establish a treatment plan and ensure you have the support you need, every step of the way.