Breast Biopsy/Interventional Procedures
A breast biopsy is the most reliable way of determining whether or not a breast abnormality is cancerous. Each year, over a million women in the United States undergo breast biopsies; afterwards, about 80 percent of them find out that they do not have breast cancer.
A core needle breast biopsy is usually done to evaluate breast abnormalities detected from a mammogram or felt during a physical exam. As with other breast biopsies, it is administered by a radiologist or a surgeon.
Using a thin needle, a core needle breast biopsy draws out breast tissue samples roughly the size of a grain of rice. Imaging technologies are sometimes used to help direct the needle to the appropriate area. The tissue samples are then assessed in a pathology lab, where a detailed pathology report is created; details such as the initial location of each biopsy and whether or not they are cancerous are included in this report.
At the end of the core needle breast biopsy, a bandage and an ice pack are placed over the affected area, and you will be sent home. The remainder of the day should be spent relaxing at home; day-to-day activities can usually be resumed the very next day. Bruising and discomfort may occur after a core needle breast biopsy, but over-the-counter pain medication can usually alleviate these.
As with any biopsy, results may not be available until a few days after the procedure. In the event of breast cancer, the report will include specific details on your condition so that an effective treatment plan can be started. In some cases, the results will be inconclusive, requiring additional testing to determine whether or not you have breast cancer. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and answer any questions you may have.
To learn more about our Breast Biopsy procedure and to find out if it is right for you, please call 401-738-3100 today to schedule a consultation.
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