Breast Biopsy Procedure and Information For Cancer on MedicineNet.com

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Breast Biopsy

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad St�ppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

There are several different types of breast biopsies, depending upon the location and size of the breast lump Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is a tissue sampling technique that uses a special instrument and imaging guidance to remove samples of breast tissue through a single, small skin incision. This technique allows the surgeon to remove more tissue through a single incision than is possible with a traditional core biopsy and is a much less invasive procedure than an open surgical biopsy. For these reasons, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is becoming more common as a diagnostic tool in the management of breast lumps and abnormalities.

Top Breast Biopsy Terms

needle biopsy, stereotactic, breast core, abnormal, cyst, complications, excisional, surgical, benign, ultrasound, mri, results, mammograms, breast pain, types,

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 by a pathologist to identify non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue.

Words used to refer to the abnormal area or growth before and after diagnosis may include lump, mass, lesion, and tumor.

What is the purpose of a breast biopsy?

The basic aim of a breast biopsy is to determine whether or not a worrisome lump is cancer and, if it is cancer, what type it is. When no cancer is detected, the diagnosis of a benign or harmless lump is reassuring.

Next: What specialties of physicians and practitioners do breast biopsies? »

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Breast Biopsy

Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy

What is a breast biopsy?

What is the purpose of a breast biopsy?

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