Breast biopsy

A breast biopsy as a medical research method is a procedure for taking a sample of cells from a patient's diseased breast for subsequent microscopic examination at the cellular level - the so-called "pathomorphological analysis".

A biopsy is necessary to confirm an accurate diagnosis if a woman is suspected of having breast cancer. Biopsy methods include surgical and non-surgical. In some cases, the procedure for taking a tissue sample from the mammary gland requires anesthesia.

A biopsy is performed only in individual cases when other modern research methods, such as ultrasound or mammography, do not provide a complete picture of the nature of changes occurring in the breast tissue. To determine the type of tumor (benign or malignant), a diagnostic procedure such as a biopsy is necessary, the purpose of which is to identify the nature of tumor pathology in the mammary gland.

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Indications for breast biopsy

A breast biopsy is prescribed by the attending physician in strictly defined cases. Usually, before the biopsy procedure, other diagnostic tests are also performed, the purpose of which is to determine the volume and location of pathological changes in the breast. Such tests include ultrasound examination of the breast and mammography; other methods may be used less frequently. In the case of deep-seated tumors, the biopsy is performed under the control of X-ray or ultrasound examination.

Indications for breast biopsy:

• incomprehensible discharge (in particular, bloody) from the nipples;
• the presence of a dense formation in the mammary gland;
• changes in the nipple area (hollowing, crusting and flaking, color change);
• ulcers of unknown etiology on the breast epithelium;
• light or dark spots on an x-ray in the chest area;
• detection of suspicious areas of the mammary gland on a mammogram or ultrasound;
• change in skin color and peeling of areas on the chest.

The causes of the listed pathologies must be established using a biopsy to exclude or confirm the presence of a tumor process in the mammary gland.

The psychological aspect is very important when prescribing a breast biopsy to a patient. The doctor must correctly explain to the woman the purpose of this procedure, since the patient almost always experiences severe stress due to being in the dark and premature disappointing conclusions. The task of the medical specialist is to inform the patient that in the vast majority of cases (about 80%) the biopsy result is negative, which is a very good indicator.

Preparing for a Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that requires the patient to take certain actions aimed at successfully performing the procedure.

Preparation for a breast biopsy involves a number of prohibited actions:

• It is not allowed to consume alcohol or medications that inhibit blood clotting and prevent the formation of blood clots (for example, anticoagulants such as aspirin and its analogues).
• The MRI biopsy procedure is not recommended for pregnant women or if pregnancy is suspected.
• The use of magnetic resonance imaging during biopsy is prohibited if the patient has an implanted pacemaker.
• A woman must inform her doctor in advance about any reactions of her body's immune system to certain substances (allergies).

Immediately before the procedure, the woman must follow all the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician. On the day of the biopsy, the patient must refrain from using cosmetic lotions, deodorants or antiperspirants. Before the procedure, you will need to remove jewelry, glasses, prostheses (if any).

It is advisable for a woman to arrive at a medical facility accompanied by a loved one who will support her both psychologically and in case of poor tolerance of painkillers and help her get home. In principle, there are no serious reasons for concern when this diagnostic procedure is prescribed. It is important to simply heed the doctor's recommendations, who will inform the patient in advance about the type of biopsy prescribed and explain what exactly the procedure involves.

Breast biopsy needle

A breast biopsy (aspiration) is performed using a thin needle to check for and remove fluid from the affected area. After this procedure, the fluid is sent to a cytologist, a trained specialist who makes a diagnosis based on a small number of cells.

If a solid tumor is present, a thicker diameter needle is used to remove a small piece of tissue from the tumor.

A breast biopsy needle is usually multi-component and is used to obtain biopsies (organ tissue materials) during cytological and histological examination. Special ultrasound markers allow control over the localization of the biopsy needle. The non-traumatic insertion of the biopsy needle is ensured by the rolled edges. The multivariate diameters of biopsy needles allow the process of collecting cytological material depending on the characteristics of the tumor. Thus, diagnosis is possible based on a minimum number of cells.

Unfortunately, malignant tumors often exhibit heterogeneity. This means that they can consist of both cancerous and benign areas. If a biopsy needle penetrates a benign area of a cancerous tumor, the procedure will result in a “false negative” diagnosis. For this reason, doctors often choose a surgical method for removing the affected area. Pathologists then examine several tissue sections at once to verify the presence or absence of cancer cells. Thus, an accurate diagnosis is confirmed by a surgical biopsy.

How is a breast biopsy performed?

A breast biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis by an experienced mammologist, surgeon or radiologist. There are varieties of this procedure, the choice of which depends on the specific situation. The attending physician, based on an examination of the mammary gland and the results of certain tests, will recommend the optimal biopsy method to the patient, taking into account the size of the tumor, its location, and other parameters of the lesion of the female breast.

Naturally, before the procedure, all patients are interested in the question: “How is a breast biopsy done?” Undoubtedly, the doctor is obliged to answer all questions of interest to the patient and carefully prepare her for the diagnostic manipulation.

During the biopsy, the patient lies on a couch in a supine position or on her side, facing the doctor. During the examination, it is necessary to lie quietly, without moving. Then local anesthesia is administered, and the position of the damaged tissue is determined using an ultrasound sensor. After this, the needle is inserted and moved to the pathological area. When the biopsy needle is inserted, a feeling of slight pressure may be noted. The entire picture is monitored on a special device. The following can be used to collect a sample of pathological tissue:

• fine needle,
• thick needle,
• vacuum,
• surgical biopsy.

After the procedure is completed, the necessary measures are taken to stop the bleeding (in particular, a cold compress in the form of an ice pack is used), a pressure bandage is applied to the wound. The procedure does not require stitches. The entire manipulation takes about an hour. It is not recommended to engage in any active physical activity for 24 hours after the biopsy.

For the purpose of the so-called "puncture biopsy" special needles are used, with the help of which a puncture of a certain area of the affected mammary gland is performed, accompanied by such control methods as X-ray, MRI and ultrasound. The sample of the obtained tissue is immediately sent to the laboratory for a special histological examination. Puncture of the skin area is usually well tolerated, patients note only a feeling of slight discomfort. For the purpose of pain relief, it is possible to use superficial anesthesia (subcutaneous injection of anesthetic, as a result of which the area of skin into which the biopsy needle will enter is "freezed").

The constant development of medicine contributes to the emergence of innovative methods for performing biopsy. In particular, new tools are currently used for this procedure: disposable automatic needles and biopsy guns. With the help of such diagnostic equipment, a “cutting biopsy” is performed more effectively (in this case, soft tissue of the mammary gland is taken for analysis). Carrying out a fine-needle puncture biopsy comes down to using a narrow-diameter disposable needle, previously inserted into a puncture gun. This tool operates at lightning speed, firing a special knife needle, with the help of which a thin column of tumor tissue is cut out. It is important that with such a study, the accuracy of the result is up to 95%.

Fine needle biopsy of the mammary gland

A mammary gland biopsy involves taking organic (cellular and tissue) material for subsequent cytological analysis to identify the nature of a pathological neoplasm in the mammary gland. A puncture biopsy is prescribed in cases where mammography and ultrasound have revealed a volumetric formation and there are doubts about the exact diagnosis. In other words, this manipulation makes it possible to obtain a cell pool for further microscopy.

A puncture biopsy of the mammary gland is the most gentle diagnostic method aimed at taking cells from the damaged mammary gland for the purpose of their microscopic examination. In essence, this type of biopsy resembles a regular intramuscular injection. This type of biopsy is usually performed in the doctor's office and consists of three main stages:

• insertion of a thin needle attached to a syringe into the tissue;
• collection of tissue fragments and fluid into a syringe;
• needle removal.

The FNAP (fine needle aspiration biopsy) method is actively used in modern clinical practice and is highly informative. Its purpose is to determine the malignancy or benignity of a neoplasm in the mammary gland. The decision on surgical treatment of the patient will depend on the biopsy result.

The manipulation is performed on an outpatient basis. No special preparation of the patient is required for this procedure. The use of aspirin and anticoagulants is prohibited, and the patient must warn the doctor about possible allergic reactions to certain drugs.

The method of taking a puncture may vary: in one case, a thin Chiba-type needle is used to obtain a small amount of pathological cells or liquid contents; in another, a biopsy needle is used, which is slightly thicker in diameter and allows for obtaining a smooth piece of tissue for examination and requires the use of local anesthesia. This method of biopsy is called "excisional". Modifications of the methods based on the principles of biopsy described above are possible. During a puncture biopsy, a puncture of the skin occurs under ultrasound control, which allows the needle to be inserted directly into the tissue of the neoplasm. When the needle is removed, the puncture material is transferred to slides for subsequent histological examination.

Puncture biopsy of the mammary gland is contraindicated in case of cancer recurrence and the presence of metastases, as well as decompensated somatic pathology. The advantages of this diagnostic method are painlessness, low trauma, absence of general anesthesia and special preparation of the patient. Various complications in the form of aseptic inflammation or intra-tissue hematoma after the procedure are extremely rare.

After assessing the quantity and quality of the obtained cellular material, the cytologist decides whether the procedure needs to be repeated. Thus, 2-3 puncture material collection is possible for greater accuracy of the result. On average, the time for performing a puncture biopsy of the mammary gland is up to 20 minutes. The final results of the cytological examination of the collected material will depend on the complexity of the pathology and can be obtained within a period of 1 to 7 days.

Trephine biopsy of the mammary gland

There are several types of mammary gland biopsy. Thus, for precise diagnosis of the type and degree of development of the formation (tumor or cyst), a surgical intervention method can be used, which consists of excision of the entire tumor body (excision), or a certain part of it (incision) - in other words, this is the so-called "trephine biopsy".

A trephine biopsy of the mammary gland is performed using a special Palinka needle. The procedure can be performed under both local and general anesthesia. Such a needle consists of a rod with a cutter and a cannula with a mandrel - a long flexible tube with a stylet, which the surgeon carefully inserts into the incision, previously made with a scalpel, up to the point of contact with the surface of the tumor. After removing the mandrel, a section of cancerous tissue is cut off using a cannula. In this case, the tube is periodically inserted into the rod with a cutter, and then removed with the obtained cellular material. If a cyst is present, its contents are sucked out using a cannula. The walls of the cyst are cauterized using an inserted electrocoagulator. As a result of this type of biopsy, the maximum accuracy of the study can be achieved.

A piece of the tumor obtained by trephine biopsy is material for a more in-depth morphological study. Obtaining the material allows for a thorough histological analysis of the cellular composition of the formation, as well as determining its finer structures.

Trephine biopsy of the mammary gland, as well as puncture biopsy, is usually performed before radiation therapy or during surgery as a replacement for diagnostic sectoral resection. It should be noted that this type of biopsy is performed in exceptional cases, since it carries a certain degree of danger for the patient.

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy

Breast biopsy can be performed as a method that combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. In particular, we are talking about vacuum biopsy.

Vacuum biopsy of the mammary gland is performed under both ultrasound and X-ray control. The main advantage of this method of examination is the ability to obtain multiple tissue samples in just a few minutes, which are 8 times larger in volume than cell samples obtained as a result of puncture biopsy or trephine biopsy, which uses systems equipped with a spring mechanism.

The vacuum biopsy procedure involves a single insertion of a special biopsy needle, after which the aperture rotates, and thanks to the vacuum, the tissue is sucked to a special opening and then excised with a rapidly rotating blade. This allows for obtaining multiple tissue samples with minimal trauma.

Due to the progressive movements after insertion of the biopsy needle, the risk of chest injury is prevented, and the procedure concerning the biopsy of a small mammary gland is facilitated. Thus, the accuracy of diagnostics is increased, and the problem of refining the diagnosis of a pathological formation of the mammary gland, which is not palpated during examination, is solved. Another important advantage of the vacuum biopsy method is the sufficiency of local anesthesia.

The main indication for the appointment of VAB for diagnostic purposes is to clarify the nature of a tumor or cyst of the mammary gland that is not palpable but visible during X-ray control. In addition, this type of biopsy is used to accurately determine prognoses in the presence of a malignant neoplasm in the breast.

The indication for performing the method of vacuum biopsy of the breast for therapeutic purposes is the removal of a benign formation that is not palpable during examination (fibroadenoma, fibrosclerosis, microcalcifications). This procedure is used as an alternative method to surgical intervention. However, it should be noted that one of the main prohibiting factors for performing vacuum biopsy of the mammary gland for therapeutic purposes is the malignant nature of the tumor.

Fine needle biopsy of the mammary gland

A mammary gland biopsy is a kind of surgical manipulation performed to detect a pathological formation in a woman's breast, as well as to determine its structure, type, and nature. The main material for subsequent laboratory testing is cells or a piece of tissue taken from the mammary gland by biopsy.

Fine needle biopsy of the mammary gland is essentially the simplest and most common method of examining a non-palpable neoplasm found in the mammary gland. This procedure uses a thin biopsy needle, specially designed to collect cellular material from a cyst or tumor.

How does this manipulation take place? The patient is in a sitting position on the couch, the doctor marks the biopsy site on the skin of the breast, then its surface is treated with an antiseptic. After this, a thin needle on a syringe is inserted directly into the gland, the piston is pulled back and thus sucks a certain amount of tissue into the syringe for examination.

This biopsy method is a quick and minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that allows differentiation between a fluid-filled cyst and a tumor.

In addition to fine-needle biopsy, a thick-needle biopsy of the gland can also be used. This occurs when an ultrasound examination or mammogram clearly shows some formation in the breast, and also when the doctor manages to palpate some lump during a medical examination of the patient. The procedure uses a needle that is slightly thicker in diameter than for fine-needle biopsy, with which it is possible to obtain several samples of pathological tissue and immediately send them for a special histological examination in order to identify cancer cells.

It should be noted that when performing a needle biopsy, other imaging methods such as mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging are additionally used to obtain a more accurate picture.

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Stereotactic breast biopsy

A breast biopsy is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis when a woman is diagnosed with lumps, tumors, or other growths in her breast.

Among several biopsy methods used to collect tissue and cell material for further laboratory testing, stereotactic biopsy can be noted.

Stereotactic biopsy of the mammary gland involves taking material for subsequent histological examination with one needle from several areas. This is necessary if the neoplasm is located quite deep. Thin and thick biopsy needles can be used during the procedure. The procedure itself is carried out under the control of a digital mammograph, as well as several ultrasound machines. Thus, by creating ionizing (i.e. X-ray) radiation by means of a mammograph, the doctor can accurately bring the necessary instruments to the pathological area to collect cellular material. Before the doctor prescribes this type of biopsy, the patient undergoes an X-ray examination of the mammary gland, in which the gland is examined from different angles. This makes it possible to obtain a number of images for more accurate information about the localization and nature of the formation.

Stereotactic biopsy is used in cases where a dense formation of unknown etiology is found in a woman's breast; there is a violation of the tissue structure of the mammary gland, there are foci of microcalcifications (calcium deposits) in areas of previously performed operations.

The stereotactic biopsy procedure is virtually painless, and the accuracy of the final results of the study is equal to that of a surgical biopsy. In addition, it leaves no traces or defects on the skin or in the tissues of the mammary gland, unlike the consequences of surgical intervention. In addition, the recovery period after a stereotactic biopsy takes much less time.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mammary gland

A breast biopsy can be performed in several ways. One of the most common, simple and frequently used diagnostic methods is FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy of the breast). This diagnostic method is chosen if the formation in the breast is not palpable.

The procedure is performed by puncturing a suspicious area of skin with a very thin hollow needle attached to a syringe and specially designed to collect pathological cells in order to determine their nature (benign or malignant). In its operating principle, the biopsy needle resembles a vacuum pump, i.e. with its help, under pressure, cellular material is sucked into the syringe for further examination.

During a fine-needle biopsy, the patient lies on a couch and a table. The doctor performs the manipulation, fixing the breast area with one hand and directing a thin biopsy needle to the designated place. It should be noted that the biopsy needle in this case is much thinner than the one used to collect venous blood. Cellular material or fluid from the cyst or tumor is sucked into the syringe through the needle cavity.

Aspiration biopsy is a simple way to differentiate between a tumor and a fluid-filled cyst. This method allows you to avoid a more invasive procedure. If the collection of cellular material is unsuccessful, additional diagnostic procedures may be required, and in complex cases, surgical treatment is used.

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Core biopsy of the mammary gland

A breast biopsy is performed using special equipment, in particular, biopsy needles of different diameters to collect cellular or tissue material for further laboratory testing to identify the nature of the pathological formation in the breast.

A core biopsy of the mammary gland (medical "core needle biopsy") is a diagnostic method that uses a thick needle. With its help, it is possible to obtain a whole column of cells and tissues not only from the skin, but also from a specific organ. In this case, we are talking about the mammary gland, therefore, by performing a core biopsy and subsequent histological examination of the tissue column, it is possible to determine the nature of the neoplasm - benign or malignant, then subsequently to determine the correct tactics for treating the disease.

Core needle biopsy involves the use of a special automatic mechanism that advances the needle deep into the tissue and returns it to the cell with the "column" (i.e. with the tissue sample for pathomorphological analysis). The tissue is immediately cut off using an external protective sheath. This process is repeated multiple times (3-6 times).

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Breast tumor biopsy

If the slightest changes in the breast are detected during self-examination, the woman should immediately consult a doctor for a full examination. If during the examination the doctor suspects a tumor, a biopsy (puncture) must be performed. It should be noted that the treatment tactics when a tumor is detected in the mammary gland involves the use of a number of laboratory methods, the information from which in combination will allow determining the presence or absence of distant metastases.

A breast biopsy is one of the most accurate diagnostic methods for determining the nature of a tumor – benign or malignant. Before a biopsy, examination methods such as palpation, ultrasound, mammography, scintigraphy (radioisotope examination), computed tomography, blood tumor marker analysis, etc. are usually prescribed.

A breast tumor biopsy can be performed in several ways, depending on the degree of tumor development, the patient's condition, and the results of additional studies. The simplest method is a fine-needle biopsy of the tumor, but it may not be informative enough. In this case, a trepan or core biopsy is used to obtain more accurate histological examination results. Such procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

Core and trephine biopsy provide the opportunity to obtain a sufficient amount of material not only to determine the histological structure of the tumor, but also to examine the HER2 receptor, as well as receptor levels to steroid hormones. This information is very important in the early stages of the disease, when it is not a matter of surgical intervention, but of prescribing a conservative therapy regimen.

Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the biopsy method is selected accordingly. Thus, for small tumors located on the tissue structures of the chest, near the sternum, the optimal research method will be a fine-needle or stereotactic biopsy. In some cases, surgical biopsy can be used, which also has its own indications.

After choosing a biopsy method, the doctor gives the patient a detailed description of the procedure, explains its necessity and advantages, and warns about possible risks and complications.

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Breast cyst biopsy

A breast biopsy can be used if cystic formations are detected. Cysts consist of outer membranes, which are dense connective tissue, and internal contents, which can have different consistencies - mushy or liquid, as well as purulent or bloody. The sizes of cystic tumors also vary - from a few millimeters to 5 or more centimeters. A cystic formation is easily palpated during a medical examination of the mammary gland. Usually, it is a painless seal with distinct, even contours.

All women need to know and understand that a cyst is a specific manifestation of the so-called "cystic fibrous mastopathy" - a rather dangerous condition that is considered a background or precancerous disease. That is why it is so important for a woman to visit a mammologist as soon as possible and undergo a full examination when diagnosing a breast cyst.

Breast cyst biopsy is considered an important research method aimed at excluding or confirming the presence of atypical cells in the breast. This invasive method is used to collect tissue particles or cyst contents for subsequent cytological analysis. Puncture biopsy is prescribed in combination with other examination methods: mammography, MRI, ultrasound, pneumocystography, etc.

A puncture biopsy of a breast cyst is performed in an outpatient setting under the strict supervision of a medical specialist and is characterized by absolute safety (i.e., virtually no trauma to the skin and soft tissues). A thin needle is used to collect cellular material, and a thicker needle or biopsy gun (the so-called "trepan biopsy") is used to obtain tissue samples. The material taken for analysis is sent to a pathomorphological laboratory for the purpose of conducting special tests (histological, cytological) for an accurate diagnosis of the disease.

It should be noted that a trephine biopsy is prescribed only if the doctor suspects the presence of a cystoma or malignant tumor in the female breast. A puncture biopsy can be considered a therapeutic measure, since during this procedure the contents of the cyst are completely evacuated using a thin needle. Thus, the cyst is emptied, its walls are glued together, after which the formation disappears. This method of treatment is optimal for single cysts and is often used by mammologists as an effective and low-trauma method.

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Breast fibroadenoma biopsy

A breast biopsy is performed to clarify various pathologies, in particular cysts and tumors. One of the most common breast tumors of a benign nature is fibroadenoma, which is shaped like a ball and arises from fibrous tissue. This pathology is most often found in women under 30 years of age. Fibroadenoma contains stromal or fibroconnective cells, and the tumor itself usually does not exceed 3 millimeters in diameter, although there are cases when it reaches 5 centimeters in diameter.

There may be various reasons for fibroadenomas. Among them, the effect of estrogens on the internal structure of the mammary gland during the premenstrual period or during pregnancy can be noted. Diagnosis of fibroadenoma involves examination and palpation of the gland, after which the patient is prescribed an ultrasound examination, as well as mammography and biopsy.

A biopsy of a fibroadenoma of the mammary gland is, in fact, the only method of clinical examination that allows one to determine with high accuracy the type of tumor – its benignity or malignancy. This procedure is performed by taking a piece of tissue for analysis using a biopsy needle. Patients aged 20-25 years do not need a biopsy if the mammogram and ultrasound showed all the symptoms of fibroadenoma. Most often, it appears as a single node.

A biopsy from the breast is necessary for laboratory testing of fibroadenoma cells to prevent breast cancer. For example, leaf-shaped fibroadenoma, according to statistics, degenerates into sarcoma in 10% of cases. It has been noted that with incomplete removal of leaf-shaped fibroadenoma, a relapse occurs. Treatment of fibroadenoma, which has a phylloid form, consists exclusively of surgical intervention. Radical mastectomy is the only method of effective treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Thus, a clear diagnosis can only be made after excision of the tumor, as well as taking its fragments for subsequent histological examination. It should be noted that urgent removal of fibroadenoma is indicated for women planning pregnancy, since hormonal changes in the female body accompanying bearing a child can provoke active development of fibroadenoma and, in severe cases, its degeneration into cancer. In addition, fibroadenoma can impede the outflow of breast milk due to blockage of milk ducts, which results in mastopathy, which has very undesirable consequences for a nursing mother.

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Biopsy for breast cancer

A mammary gland biopsy is performed to examine a pathological formation in terms of determining its basic nature – benign or malignant. Unfortunately, no woman is immune from the risk of developing breast cancer, and the incidence of this disease only increases over the years. It is especially important for women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer to undergo regular examinations by a mammologist. Medical examinations and diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, mammography, and MRI will allow you to detect a health problem in time and get rid of it.

In early diagnostics of cancer, self-examination of the breast by palpation, as well as routine check-ups with a gynecologist, are of great importance. If any changes in the mammary gland are detected, it is necessary to undergo a full medical examination, and in case of suspicion of a tumor of unknown etiology, a biopsy.

The main objective of a breast cancer biopsy is to obtain biological material, i.e. tissue from the pathological area. Subsequently, after the puncture, the tissue sample undergoes laboratory histological examination to determine the type of cells that make up it. The procedure uses aspiration methods with thin or thick needles. Incisional (open) biopsy is most often performed against the background of a surgical operation aimed at excising the tumor.

The choice of biopsy method for breast cancer depends on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the presence of metastases, the number of atypical lesions, and other factors. The biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. In the case of a relapse of a malignant tumor, a biopsy is very important, since its results will affect the choice of treatment. In this case, the purpose of the biopsy is to determine the causes and clarify the diagnosis of a relapse or metastasis of cancer. For this purpose, a needle or stereotactic biopsy is used. If metastases in the lungs are suspected, a biopsy is performed using a bronchoscope - a special medical instrument inserted into the trachea and then into the bronchi for the purpose of visually examining the suspicious area of tissue.

Breast biopsy results

A breast biopsy helps to determine the type of formation for the purpose of subsequent treatment of the identified disease.

The results of the breast biopsy will be known a few days after the procedure. The pathologist must carefully examine the tissue samples obtained and draw up a conclusion that will reflect all the necessary information about the size, location of the tissue, consistency, color, presence or absence of cancer cells. It should be noted that the biopsy results indicating the presence of a benign tumor should coincide with the opinion of the attending physician. If the doctor doubts the diagnosis, seeing symptoms of cancer in the mammogram results, a repeat biopsy will be required, as well as further examination.

If cancer cells are found in the biopsy samples, the pathologist must provide information in the conclusion about the type of malignant tumor, its hormone dependence and other factors that will subsequently influence the choice of treatment regimen. Depending on the conclusion (morphological, histological) obtained during the examination of the biopsy samples, the results of a breast biopsy can be divided into the following groups:

• Normal - indicating that the shapes and sizes of cells are within normal limits; however, no additional atypical inclusions or bodies are detected.
• Incomplete - indicate the need for additional examination due to ambiguous data or insufficient amount of material taken.
• Non-cancerous - indicating the presence of abnormal cell clusters or any atypical compounds in tissue samples, the nature of which is not associated with a tumor process. Such information may indicate a cyst, an inflammatory process, or mastitis of the mammary gland.
• Benign – indicate the presence of a tumor, but without the “coronary growth” zone characteristic of cancer, as well as the strands of cells.
• Malignant - such results after a biopsy indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor, its specific location, shape and boundaries, and stage of development. At the same time, there are obvious changes in the cells due to the malignancy of the tumor process.

Complications after breast biopsy

Breast biopsy is minimally invasive if the procedure is performed correctly, but there are a number of risks and possible complications, mainly related to the infectious process. Regarding the risks, it is necessary to note the contraindications to the procedure for pregnant women, as well as patients taking anticoagulants. It is important to inform the doctor in advance about possible allergic reactions of the body to certain medications.

Complications after a breast biopsy include extensive bruising, swelling, changes in the shape of the breast, fever, and redness at the puncture site during the biopsy. Various discharges from the wound are also possible, indicating infection. In such cases, you should immediately seek medical attention, as the infection requires immediate treatment.

If general anesthesia was used during the biopsy, complications such as temporary disorientation, dizziness, and nausea are possible. Usually, unpleasant symptoms disappear within 24 hours after the surgery. Despite the possibility of complications, timely diagnosis is most important, so it is important to compare the risks of the biopsy procedure with the risks of developing a tumor process. We may be talking about a specific threat not only to health, but also to human life.

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Where to get a breast biopsy?

A breast biopsy is performed in a medical facility on an outpatient basis.

Many women before the procedure ask themselves where to do a breast biopsy? The answer will depend only on the woman's decision. It can be a state clinic, a medical center of modern mammology, an oncology laboratory, or a private clinic. Often, after the examination, the doctor offers the patient a specific place to perform the procedure. Specialists from well-established clinics carefully approach the implementation of this procedure, which makes it possible to accurately determine the presence and nature of the suspected formation.

At the medical center, the patient will be given the necessary recommendations, will be helped to mentally prepare for a breast biopsy, and will also be given answers to all questions related to the technique of this surgical manipulation and the risk of possible complications. The doctor will determine the type of biopsy that will need to be performed in order to diagnose pathology in the mammary gland. Among the modern types of biopsy, one can note:

• Puncture (tissue is collected for further examination by inserting a special thin needle into the mammary gland);
• Excisional (using local anesthesia, the detected lump is removed for subsequent cytological examination);
• Incisional (removal of affected organ tissue);
• Aspiration (the contents of the cysts are sucked out with a syringe).

Breast biopsy cost

Breast biopsy in state clinics is almost always free of charge at the recommendation of the attending physician. It should be noted that an appointment for a biopsy procedure may involve a fairly long waiting period. In some cases, when prescribing a biopsy, the doctor may recommend that the patient undergo this diagnostic examination in a paid private clinic due to the lack of high-quality equipment or qualified specialists.

The price of a breast biopsy in a private clinic or medical center will depend on several factors. First of all, you need to consider the complexity of the procedure, as well as the type of biopsy, since if several punctures are required, the total cost of the procedure itself increases accordingly.

The decision on where to perform the biopsy ultimately remains with the patient. You can inquire about the prices for this type of procedure in several clinics at once to choose the best option based on your financial capabilities. Of course, the credibility of the clinic, the availability of modern equipment, and the high professionalism of medical specialists are of the utmost importance. Therefore, the price is not so important when it comes to human health.

Breast Biopsy Reviews

A breast biopsy is a rather serious matter and almost always causes anxiety, fear and apprehension in women. Despite the doctor’s explanations about the necessity of this procedure, many women try to avoid this method and search for information on the Internet, as well as consulting with other medical specialists. However, if there are serious changes in the mammary gland, and this is confirmed by a number of medical studies, in particular, such as mammography and ultrasound, a biopsy is inevitable.

Reviews of breast biopsy can be read on Internet forums, where the overwhelming majority of women who have undergone this procedure express their opinions about its necessity and extreme importance. After all, it is with the help of a biopsy that one can obtain reliable and accurate information about changes in the breast tissue in order to detect the disease at the earliest stage and begin effective treatment.

A breast biopsy is essential for diagnosing cancer and accurately determining the nature of the tumor. By carefully examining the cellular material taken by biopsy, the doctor will be able not only to determine the malignancy or benignity of the pathology, but also to identify the extent of breast damage. When planning a surgical intervention, the need for a biopsy increases.