If an unusual lump is found during a routine breast examination, or a suspicious abnormality was detected on a mammogram or MRI, your doctor will refer you to a Glendora or Victorville General Surgeon for a breast biopsy. A biopsy is required to determine if the lump or abnormality is benign, non-cancerous, or malignant, cancerous.
Breast biopsies are outpatient procedures performed in the surgeon’s office, a clinic, or a hospital. Biopsies usually take 15 minutes to one hour. The incision site will be numbed before a biopsy. While not all biopsies require full sedation, you may be given a local or a general anesthesia before the procedure. If general anesthesia is used, you’ll need to have someone available to drive you home. There is very little recovery time required for a biopsy. Most patients resume their normal daily activities within one or two days. Your surgeon will instruct you about post-procedure care for the incision site. If needed, the surgeon will prescribe pain medication.
Breast Biopsy Options
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: A small, thin needle is used to withdraw cells or cyst fluid for a pathology diagnosis. Pressure is placed on the incision to stop any bleeding. A bandage is put over the incision site.
- Core Needle Biopsy: A slightly larger needle is applied than is used for the fine needle aspiration biopsy so that tissue pieces can also be withdrawn for a diagnosis. Pressure is then placed on the incision to stop any bleeding. A bandage is used to cover the incision site.
- Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy: A small hollow probe is inserted through a small incision. Breast tissue is vacuumed into the probe and sent to the laboratory for a diagnosis. Pressure is placed on the incision site to stop any bleeding. No stitches are needed, and the area is covered with a bandage.
- Open Biopsy: A small cut is made in the breast for this surgical procedure. An entire lump or abnormality is removed for a laboratory diagnosis, the incision is closed with stitches, and the site is covered with dressing.
