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 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).
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. 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.
A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of breast tissue. There are three main types: fine needle aspiration biopsy (uses a very thin needle to remove cells or fluid), core needle biopsy (uses a larger needle and sometimes a vacuum probe to remove a sample about the size of a grain of rice), and surgical biopsy (surgery to remove part or all of a lump). Your provider will decide which type is best for you based on the size, location, and appearance of the suspicious area, as well as your health and preferences. Biopsies are often guided by mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or x-rays to help see exactly where to take the tissue sample.
It is common to have some bruising and temporary discomfort after a breast biopsy. Possible risks include infection (which can be treated with antibiotics) and bleeding at the biopsy site. If you are having general anesthesia, talk with your provider about how it may affect you.
Understanding results
It may take several days to a week to get your biopsy results (often called a pathology report). The report is written for your provider and will include a lot of medical terms. The most important part of your report will be the diagnosis, which will be one of the categories below. Your provider will explain the meaning of your results and any additional information about tumor type, grade, or hormone receptors.
- Normal: No cancer or abnormal cells were found. Limitation: A normal result means no cancer or abnormal cells were found. Next step: No further action is needed unless your provider advises otherwise.
- Abnormal, non-cancerous, no increased risk: Abnormal breast changes that are not cancer and do not increase your risk for breast cancer. Limitation: These changes are not cancer and do not increase your risk for breast cancer. Some may resolve on their own; others may need treatment. Next step: Your provider will discuss whether any follow-up or treatment is needed.
- Abnormal, increased risk: Abnormal breast changes that increase your risk for breast cancer. Limitation: These cells are not cancer, but having them means you are more likely to develop breast cancer in the future. Next step: You may need a surgical biopsy to remove additional abnormal tissue, and your provider may refer you to a breast cancer specialist for further evaluation and risk management.
- Breast cancer: Breast cancer. Limitation: Cancer cells were found. The report will include details about the cancer's growth rate, how much it resembles normal cells, and whether certain hormones or proteins are present. Next step: Your care will be managed by a breast cancer specialist. Additional tests and treatments will be planned based on the specific characteristics of the cancer.
- 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.
- 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?