Breast Biopsy
If breast symptoms or the results of an imaging test (such as a mammogram) suggest you might have breast cancer, you may need a breast biopsy.
What is a breast biopsy?
A biopsy of the breast is a procedure done to remove a piece of breast tissue or tumor, called a sample. During a biopsy, a doctor takes samples from the suspicious area so they can be looked at in the lab to see if they contain cancer cells.
Needing a breast biopsy doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Most biopsy results are not cancer, but a biopsy is the only way to find out for sure.
Types of breast biopsies
There are different kinds of breast biopsies. Some are done using a hollow needle, and some use an incision (cut in the skin). The type you have depends on a number of things, like:
- How suspicious the breast change looks or feels
- How big it is
- Where it is in the breast
- If there is more than one suspicious area
- Your overall health
- Your personal preferences
Most of the time, a needle biopsy (rather than a surgical biopsy) can be done. Ask your doctor which type of biopsy you will have and what you can expect during and after the procedure.