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Breast biopsy - ultrasound
Biopsy - breast - ultrasound; Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy; Core needle breast biopsy - ultrasound; Breast cancer-breast biopsy - ultrasound; Abnormal mammogram - breast biopsy - ultrasound
A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are 2 main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (duct...
There are several types of breast biopsies, including stereotactic , open, and lumpectomy . This article focuses on needle-based, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.
Stereotactic
A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biops...
Lumpectomy
Breast lump removal is surgery to remove a lump that may be breast cancer. Tissue around the lump is also removed. This surgery is called a lumpect...
How the Test is Performed
You are asked to undress from the waist up. You wear a robe that opens in the front. During the biopsy, you are awake.
You lie on your back.
The biopsy is done in the following way:
- The health care provider cleans the area on your breast.
- Numbing medicine is injected.
- The doctor makes a very small cut on your breast over the area that needs to be biopsied.
- The doctor uses an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the abnormal area in your breast that needs to be biopsied.
- Several biopsies may be taken.
- A small metal clip or needle may be placed into the breast in the area of the biopsy to mark it, if needed.
The biopsy is done using one of the following:
- Fine needle aspiration
- Hollow needle (called a core needle)
- Vacuum-powered device
- Both a hollow needle and vacuum-powered device
Once the tissue sample has been taken, the catheter or needle is removed. Ice and pressure are applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage is applied to absorb any fluid. You do not need any stitches after the needle is taken out. If needed, strips of tape may be placed to close the wound.
How to Prepare for the Test
The provider will ask about your medical history and perform a manual breast exam.
If you take medicines (including aspirin, supplements, or herbs), ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking these before the biopsy.
Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant.
DO NOT use lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.
How the Test will Feel
When the numbing medicine is injected, it may sting a bit.
During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure.
After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. You can do whatever activity you want as long as it does not cause pain or discomfort. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve pain.
You may have some bruising, and there will be a very small scar where the needle was inserted.
Why the Test is Performed
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy may be done to evaluate abnormal findings on a mammogram , breast ultrasound , or during a physical exam.
Mammogram
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find breast tumors and cancer.
Breast ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.
To determine whether someone has breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Tissue from the abnormal area is removed and examined under a microscope.
Normal Results
A normal result means there is no sign of cancer or other breast problems.
Your health care provider will let you know if and when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A biopsy can identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:
-
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma of the breast is a benign tumor. Benign tumor means it is not caused by cancer.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Fat
necrosis
Necrosis
Necrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necro...
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Biopsy results may show conditions such as:
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia
- Atypical lobular hyperplasia
- Flat epithelial atypia
- Radial scar
-
Intraductal papilloma
Intraductal papilloma
Intraductal papilloma is a small, noncancerous (benign) tumor that grows in a milk duct of the breast.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Lobular carcinoma-in-situ
Abnormal results may mean that you have breast cancer. Two main types of breast cancer may be found:
- Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
- Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules, which produce milk.
Depending on the biopsy results, you may need further surgery or treatment.
Your provider will discuss the meaning of the biopsy results with you.
Risks
There is a slight chance of infection at the injection or incision site. Excessive bleeding is rare.
References
Burke CT, Dixon RG, Mauro MA, et al. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. In: Burke CT, Dixon RG, Mauro MA, et al. High-Yield Imaging: Interventional . 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010.
Katz VL, Dotters D. Breast diseases: diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 15.
Wolff AC, Domchek SM, Davidson NE, Sacchini V, McCormick B. Cancer of the breast. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2014:chap 91.
Review Date: 3/13/2015
Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, general surgery practice specializing in breast cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
