A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.
There are several different types of breast biopsies. This article focuses on needle-based and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.
See also:
Alternative NamesBiopsy - breast - ultrasound; Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy; Core needle breast biopsy - ultrasound
How the test is performedBefore the procedure, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will wear a robe that opens in the front.
You will be awake during the biopsy. You will lie on your back. The health care provider will first clean the area on your breast, and then inject a numbing medicine.
The biopsy is done using fine needle aspiration, a hollow needle (called a core needle), a vacuum-powered device, or 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 will be applied to absorb any fluid. You will not need any stitches after the needle is taken out. Steri-strips may be placed over any wound, if necessary.
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 a biopsy.
Do not wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.
How the test will feelWhen the doctor injects the numbing medicine, it may sting a bit.
During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure. You should not feel any pain.
After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. Do not do any heavy lifting or work with your arms for 24 hours after the biopsy. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain.
Although you may have some bruising, there should be no scars left in the breast or on the skin.
Why the test is performedAn ultrasound-guided breast biopsy may be done to evaluate abnormal findings on a mammogram or breast ultrasound, or during a physical exam.
To determine whether someone has Breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Tissue and fluid from the abnormal area are removed and examined under a microscope.
Normal ValuesA normal result means there is no sign of cancer or other breast problems.
Your doctor or nurse will let you know if and when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.
What abnormal results meanA biopsy can identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:
Biopsy results may show precancerous breast conditions, such as:
Abnormal results may mean that you have breast cancer. Two main types of breast cancer may be found:
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.
ReferencesAbeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 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.
A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.
There are several different types of breast biopsies. This article focuses on needle-based, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.
See also:
Alternative NamesBiopsy - breast - ultrasound; Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy; Core needle breast biopsy - ultrasound
How the test is performedBefore the procedure, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will wear a robe that opens in the front.
You will be awake during the biopsy. You will lie on your back. The health care provider will first clean the area on your breast, and then inject a numbing medicine.
The biopsy is done using one of the following:
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 will be applied to absorb any fluid. You will not need any stitches after the needle is taken out. Steri-Strips may be placed over any wound, if needed.
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 a biopsy.
Do not wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.
How the test will feelWhen the doctor injects the numbing medicine, it may sting a bit.
During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure. You should not feel any pain.
After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. Do not do any heavy lifting or work with your arms for 24 hours after the biopsy. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain.
Although you may have some bruising, there should be no scars left in the breast or on the skin.
Why the test is performedAn ultrasound-guided breast biopsy may be done to evaluate abnormal findings on a mammogram or breast ultrasound, or during a physical exam.
To determine whether someone has breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Tissue and fluid from the abnormal area are removed and examined under a microscope.
Normal ValuesA normal result means there is no sign of cancer or other breast problems.
Your doctor or nurse will let you know if and when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.
What abnormal results meanA biopsy can identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:
Biopsy results may show precancerous breast conditions, such as:
Abnormal results may mean that you have breast cancer. Two main types of breast cancer may be found:
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.
ReferencesAbeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 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.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 03/05/2011
Ken Levin, MD, private practice specializing in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Allentown, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Between the initial ultrasound to determine whether the lump is a tumor or a cyst and the procedure itself, a breast tumor biopsy can cost as much as $3,000 for an uninsured patient.
Some abnormal sonograms lead to a recommendation for breast biopsy, and others do not. The recommendation for biopsy depends on the result of the ultrasound, the patient's history, and the family history. Talk with your health care provider to know the recommendation for your specific situation.
Between the initial ultrasound to determine whether the lump is a tumor or a cyst and the procedure itself, a breast tumor biopsy can cost as much as $3,000 for an uninsured patient.
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.
Cpt code for ultrasound guided liver biopsy
mammography , ultrasound imaging, and ductography (used for imaging the breast ducts and diagnosing the cause of abnormal nipple discharges).
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.
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.
Cpt code for ultrasound guided liver biopsy
Sentinel-node biopsy
needle biopsy, regular biopsy, mastectomy, lumpectomy,
ultrasound guidedance