Breast Biopsy
Reviewed
A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of breast tissue so that a pathologist can look at it under a microscope for signs of disease and cancer. It is the only way to find out whether a suspicious change in your breast is cancer. Most breast lumps and other changes that are checked with biopsies turn out to be benign (not cancer).
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking certain medicines, such as blood thinners like aspirin, before this test. Tell your provider about all the medicines and supplements you take. Don't stop or start taking anything unless your provider tells you to. Before any procedure, tell your provider about any recent surgeries or known allergies, and if you are pregnant. If you are 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.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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
Your provider will review the pathology report with you and explain the diagnosis. If cancer is found, the report will include details about the tumor type, grade, and hormone/protein status to guide treatment. You may be referred to a breast cancer specialist.