Questions and Answers What is breast cancer? What causes breast cancer and how likely am I to develop breast cancer? What is the survival rate for breast cancer? How is breast cancer treated? How is breast cancer detected? What is a mammogram? Is mammogram dangerous? How is mammography performed? How can I find a mammography center in my area? How much does a mammogram cost? If I have breast implants do I still need to have a mammogram? Should I be concerned if my doctor tells me I need to have a breast biopsy? How is a breast biopsy performed? Is a breast biopsy dangerous? How will I know the results of my breast biopsy?

Your doctor may recommend a breast biopsy if an abnormality is seen on a mammogram or if there are any breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation. This is not necessarily a reason for alarm; 70% to 80% of all breast biopsies show no signs of cancer. However, it is important to have the biopsy performed so that a definitive diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment program or screening schedule can be determined.

A breast biopsy involves removal of a sample of cells or tissue from the suspicious area for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. For many years, the only way to obtain the sample was by an open surgical biopsy, where an incision was made in the breast and the entire mass, along with a portion of tissue surrounding the mass, was removed.

With advances in technology, breast biopsies today can be performed without surgery by using needle biopsy. In this type of procedure, a hollow needle is inserted in the suspicious area of the breast and small pieces of tissue are removed through the needle. If the breast mass is too small to be felt, placement of the needle can be directed by computer-guided imaging. This type of biopsy is called stereotactic needle biopsy.

Using today's modern equipment, needle biopsies can be performed with the patient in an upright position or in a prone position. If your doctor recommends a breast biopsy, you should discuss the most appropriate type of procedure for you.

Although there are some risks associated with breast biopsy, most physicians feel that the value of a definitive diagnosis far outweighs the risks. The potential side effects of a needle biopsy, though rare, include bruising, infection, and hematoma (a pooling of blood in the biopsy area). The potential side effects of an open surgical biopsy are greater than those of a needle biopsy because the procedure is more invasive and is done under general anesthesia.

The tissue samples taken during a breast biopsy are forwarded to a pathologist for examination under a microscope. A pathologist is a physician who analyzes cells and tissues to determine whether they are cancerous, pre-cancerous, or benign. A pathology report will be forwarded to your physician, who will explain the results to you.

This website provides general information only. A physician should be contacted if you need any medical advice or if medical decisions need to be made.