Breast biopsies diagnose breast cancer in women who have suspicious lumps or breast changes. While the prospect of cancer causes great concern for many women, learning about breast biopsies can help ease some of the fears about the diagnostic procedures done to detect cancer. Like other medical procedures, breast biopsies have specific risks and possible complications. However, they are a reliable tool for diagnosing cancers of the breast.
Reasons for Procedure
When a woman finds a lump in her breast, a doctor may recommend that she have a breast ultrasound or mammogram. If the results of these tests are suspicious or inconclusive, a breast biopsy may be recommended. Breast biopsies remove tissue and fluid from a suspicious lump so that cancer or benign breast changes can be detected and treated.
Types
The four types of breast biopsies are fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, incision biopsy and excisional biopsy. Fine needle aspiration is usually used for fluid-filled cysts and involves the insertion of a small needle into the breast lump. Fluid and cells are removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Core needle biopsy takes several cores of breast tissue for analysis. Incisional biopsies are used on large lumps that cannot be completely removed without deforming the breast. During this procedure, a piece of the mass is removed so the tissue can be analyzed. Excisional biopsy is used to completely remove the breast lesion. Ultrasound and MRI may be used to guide a surgeon in finding the lesion.
Risks and Complications
There is a risk that fine needle aspiration may not collect enough fluid for an accurate analysis, leaving abnormal cells undetected. If the surgeon is inexperienced, cancer cells can be trailed into unaffected areas of the breast. Core needle biopsy has more significant risks than fine needle aspiration. Bleeding and collection of blood at the biopsy site can occur because a vacuum-assisted device is used. Infection and pain can also occur at the biopsy site. If the needle passes through the chest wall, a lung could collapse. Incisional biopsy can cause discomfort, scarring, bruising and site infection. Excisional biopsy can cause scarring, swelling and soreness. Complications from the use of anesthesia can also occur.
Recovery
Recovery from fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy is usually short and uncomplicated. Normal activity may be resumed almost immediately and pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers. Bruising can occur with core needle biopsy, requiring the use of cold packs or ice packs. The recovery from an incisional biopsy or excisional biopsy is more involved. After the procedure is done, a patient is monitored in the hospital or clinic recovery room. Heavy lifting must be avoided for 1 to 2 weeks. Stitches must be cared for properly by keeping them dry and clean. These stitches are removed approximately 10 days after surgery.
Results
After each of these procedures is done, the fluid and tissue that were removed from the breast are sent to a laboratory for analysis. If no cancer cells are detected, further treatment is usually not required. If cancerous cells are present in the tissue sample, a patient may be advised to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy or to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment to kill the cancer cells. Treatment plans are based on the severity of the cancer and the general health of the affected person.
