Breast Biopsy
Reviewed
Also called: core needle biopsy, core biopsy, breast, fine-needle aspiration, open surgery biopsy
A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of breast tissue so that a pathologist (a type of doctor) can look at it under a microscope for signs of disease and cancer.
Specimen: Breast tissue sample
Why this test may be ordered
- You or your provider felt a lump, thickening, or other change in your breast.
- A mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI shows a lump, calcium deposits, or other signs that might mean cancer.
- The skin on your breast or nipple is red, scaly, or swollen, or your nipple is pulled inward.
- You have a discharge of abnormal fluid coming from your nipple.
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking certain medicines, such as blood thinners like aspirin, before this test, so tell your provider about all the medicines and supplements you take. Don't stop or start taking anything unless your provider tells you to. If you're having general anesthesia, you will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before surgery. If you have general anesthesia or medicine to relax, you may be groggy after the procedure, so plan to have someone take you home.
Biopsies are often done using mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or x-rays to help see exactly where to take the tissue sample. Your provider will clean the skin on your breast and give you a shot of medicine to numb the area, so you won't feel any pain. Pressure will be applied to the area until the bleeding stops.
It's common to have some bruising and temporary discomfort after a breast biopsy. Possible risks include: Infection, which can be treated with antibiotics, Bleeding at the biopsy site
Understanding results
It may take several days to a week to get your biopsy results (often called a pathology report).
- Normal: No cancer or abnormal cells were found. Limitation: The report is written for your provider and will include a lot of medical terms. Next step: Ask your provider to explain any additional information in your report.
- Abnormal, non-cancerous, no increased risk: Abnormal breast changes that aren't cancer and don't increase your risk for breast cancer. Limitation: Some of these conditions often get better on their own, while others may need treatment. Next step: Ask your provider to explain any additional information in your report.
- Abnormal, increased risk: Abnormal breast changes that increase your risk for breast cancer. These cells are not cancer, but if you have them, you are more likely to develop cancer. Limitation: You may need a surgical biopsy to remove any additional abnormal tissue. Next step: In addition, your provider may refer you to a doctor who specializes in breast cancer.
- Breast cancer: If your provider finds cancer cells, your report will include details about how fast the cancer cells are growing, how much they look like normal cells, and other information to help plan the most effective treatment. Limitation: Your test results may also tell you about your tumor type and grade and whether or not you have certain hormones or proteins that make you more likely to develop cancer. Next step: Usually, a doctor who specializes in breast cancer will provide your care.
- A breast biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a suspicious change is cancer, but most biopsies turn out to be benign (not cancer).
- The procedure may cause bruising, temporary discomfort, infection, or bleeding at the biopsy site.
- General anesthesia (used for surgical biopsy) carries its own risks, which should be discussed with your provider.
What to do next
Ask your provider to explain any additional information in your report.
- Why do I need a breast biopsy?
- What type of biopsy is recommended for me?
- What are the risks and benefits of the procedure?
- How should I prepare for the biopsy?
- When will I get the results and how will I be informed?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.