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A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. Several different types of biopsy may be done. This article discusses open breast biopsy. An open biopsy involves making a small cut in the breast and removing breast tissue.
See also:
Alternative NamesBiopsy - breast; Open breast biopsy
How the test is performedAn open biopsy may remove part (incisional biopsy) or all (excisional biopsy) of the area of interest. If the entire lump or area of interest is removed, this method may also be called a lumpectomy.
If the surgeon cannot easily feel the lump or cyst, breast ultrasound or mammography may be used before the biopsy. A needle or wire is placed in the area of interest. This will be left in to help the surgeon.
The biopsy will be done in an operating room.
- Usually, you lie on your back for the procedure. You may receive local anesthesia with medicine to make you sleepy or you may receive general anesthesia.
- A surgical cut is made in the skin. The wire and breast tissue around it are removed. Sometimes, testing is done at the time of the procedure, but a final diagnosis takes more time.
- After the tissue sample is taken, the cut is closed with sutures. A dressing and bandage are applied.
If you receive general anesthesia, your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored for at least an hour after the procedure. Your health care provider may prescribe pain medication.
How to prepare for the testThe health care provider will ask questions about your medical history and perform a manual breast exam.
You must sign an informed consent form. If you are going to have general anesthesia, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8 - 12 hours before the test.
If you take medications (including aspirin or herbal medications), ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking these before the biopsy.
Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant before having an open biopsy.
Do not wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.
How the test will feelAfter the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. If a surgical cut is made, your doctor may prescribe pain medication.
You will probably go home the day of the procedure.
Do not do any heavy lifting for 24 hours after the biopsy. Do not take a shower for the first 24 hours.
Why the test is performedA biopsy may be done if the doctor is concerned about Breast cancer because of abnormal findings on a mammogram or breast ultrasound, or seen during a physical exam.
To determine whether someone has breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Cells from the abnormal area are removed and examined under a microscope.
Normal ValuesA normal result means there is no sign of cancer.
Your doctor or nurse will let you know when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.
What abnormal results meanBiopsy may identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:
Biopsy results may show the following precancerous breast conditions:
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia
- Atypical lobular hyperplasia
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.
What the risks areThere is a slight chance of infection at the injection or incision site.
Excessive bleeding is rare, but may require draining or re-bandaging. Bruising is common.
There will be a small scar. Depending on the amount of tissue removed and how the breast heals, the appearance of the breast may be affected.
ReferencesAbeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008: chap 95.
Whitman GJ. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies. Ultrasound Clin. 2006;1:603-615.
Kim CH, Bassett LW. Imaging-guided core needle biopsy of the breast. In: Bassett LW, Jackson VP, Fu KL, Fu, YS. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 17.
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What is the singular for biopsy?
Biopsy.
How much does a vulva biopsy cost?
I jst paid $2500.00 for a vulva biopsy..
What biopsy may be performed to excise a disc of tissue?
The SiteSelect Breast Excisional Biopsy device can remove an intact core of 10mm, 15mm, and 22mm in diameter. The new generation is a hand-held device independent to any imaging modality but anticipated to be used widely in conjunction with Ultrasound Imaging guidance. You may contact me at SiteSelect Medical for additional information.
How do you use the word biopsy in a sentence?
"My Father had a biopsy to make sure the lump was not cancerous"
Is there someone out there that has Pagets disease of the breast?
Yes I had Page't disease of the nipple and had surgery in April 2009. My breast surgeon did a punch biopsy and biopsies in a few suspicious lumps. The other lumps were o.k. but I had been misdiagnosed 18 months earlier by another breast surgeon when I first suspected it was Paget's disease. I had a nipple reconstruction at the same time as my surgery. It is 17 months now since surgery and I am still in significant pain around my ribs, and my breast. My surgery was followed by 35 treatments of radiotherapy. Cheers, Liz
What is the use of a biopsy for the breast?
The use of a biopsy for the breast is to check for cancer. Women are at a very high risk for breast cancer and a biopsy is a way to prevent the cancer in an early stage.
Are there alternatives to breast biopsy?
Whether there are alternatives to breast biopsy depends on the patient's clinical situation. If you want to know with some certainty whether a mass is cancerous, breast biopsy is required. Talk with your health care provider for advice specific to your breast findings.
How serious is a breast biopsy?
A needle breast biopsy is a minor outpatient procedure. Pain is usually well-controlled with acetaminophen and ice. Patient normally can drive themselves to and from the biopsy.
What kind of biopsy is performed at the beginning of breast cancer treatment?
Sentinel-node biopsy
What surgery do they do to treat breast cancer?
needle biopsy, regular biopsy, mastectomy, lumpectomy,
What is the code needle biopsy of the breast?
19100
What is cpt code for patient calling to schedule appointment for breast biopsy?
The cpt code for patient calling to schedule appointment for breast biopsy is 19100.
How may a breast biopsy be reckoned authoritative?
If less invasive tests are not conclusive, the presence of cancer or a variety of benign breast conditions can be determined by using a biopsy
What type of biopsy is done for breast cancer?
fnac test
What is the Removal of tissue to confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer?
Biopsy
What is the diet after a breast biopsy?
There is no special diet recommended after a breast biopsy. Patients who want to reduce their risk of breast cancer should eat a low-fat diet, maintain a healthy weight, and drink alcohol in moderation if at all.
What if the doctor hits an artery during a breast biopsy?
If the doctor hits a small artery during a breast biopsy result, you may have some bruising. This situation is similar to that when you get an injection, as with vaccination.
