Breast Biopsy
What is a breast biopsy?
A breast biopsy is a procedure in which part or all of a
suspicious breast growth is removed and examined, usually for the
presence of
cancer. The growth sample is suctioned out through a
needle or cut out using a surgical procedure. The sample is then
examined and evaluated under a microscope to identify non-cancerous
(benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue.
Words used to refer to the growth before and after diagnosis may
include lump, mass, lesion, and tumor.
What kind of physician does a breast biopsy?
Many physicians and healthcare practitioners can be
involved in evaluating a woman for a breast biopsy. For example,
breast abnormalities during a physical examination might be noticed
by a family physician, internist, gynecologist or nurse
practitioner. Women themselves are frequently the first to detect
abnormalities in their breasts. Radiologists are specialists in interpreting x-rays such as
mammograms, as well as other images. Radiologists or surgeons often
perform the procedure to obtain the breast tissue sample.
Anesthesiologists (specialists in administering anesthesia and
monitoring a patient's vital signs) are sometimes necessary during
surgical procedures. Pathologists are the specialists who examine and
identify under a microscope the type of cells in the samples.
Who should have a breast biopsy?
Anyone, female or male, with a suspicious breast growth or other
symptoms of breast cancer should undergo a biopsy. Although 99% of
all breast cancers occur in females, males can and do get breast
cancer. Therefore, men should regularly examine their breasts as
females do for lumps or other cancer symptoms. (Males with the genetic disorder
Klinefelter syndrome, which causes breast development, have
approximately the same risk of developing breast cancer as females.)
In what setting is the breast biopsy done?
Breast biopsies are performed in the doctor's office, an
outpatient facility, or a hospital operating room. The setting
depends on the size and location of the growth, the patient's general
health, and the type of biopsy performed. Because physicians can
perform biopsies in a short time with minimal risk of serious
complications, the patient usually does not need to remain
hospitalized overnight unless an underlying health problem requires
close monitoring.
What is the chance that a biopsy will show cancer?
About 80% of all biopsies done in the U.S. produce benign
(not cancerous) results, according to the American Cancer Society.
What may a benign result indicate?
Among the most common benign growths in the breast are cysts (sacs
filled with fluid or semisolid material), intraductal papillomas
(small wart-like growths that project above a tissue surface), and
lumps formed by fat necrosis (the death of tissue often as a result
of trauma to the breast).
How is a suspicious breast growth discovered?
A suspicious breast growth may be found by a patient's self-
examination, a physician's clinical examination, or a screening x-ray
(mammogram).
Patients who discover a lump in a breast should see a physician
for testing. They should also see a physician if they find a lump in
an armpit or above a collarbone (either of which could indicate the
presence of spreading cancer). Finally, a physician should be
consulted if they have red or irritated breast skin, scaly skin,
dimpling skin, swelling skin, nipple discharge other than milk,
nipple retraction or inversion, nipple itching, a change in the size
or shape of a breast, or breast pain. It is important to remember
that these signs and symptoms do not necessarily indicate the
presence of cancer.
Next: What should the patient tell the physician about the growth? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Breast Cancer - Read about breast cancer causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis (mammogram), staging, research and treatment options (chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy) in women. Source:Government
- Fibrocystic Breast Condition - Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) are breasts that are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The most common symptom is breast pain and tenderness. Source:MedicineNet
- Paget's Disease of The Nipple - Paget's disease of the nipple is an uncommon type of cancer that forms around the nipple. It is usually associated with an underlying breast cancer. Source:Government
- Read 23 more Breast Biopsy related articles ...
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Last Editorial Review: 4/11/2002
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