Breast Biopsy: Everything You Need to Know
What is a breast biopsy?
The breast biopsy is a diagnostic test that helps determine the nature of a suspicious area in the breast. During the procedure, a small amount of tissue is removed, which is examined under a microscope to determine whether it is benign or malignant lesion.
It is a fundamental step in modern surgical and oncological approach of the breast, as it ensures a documented diagnosis before any further intervention. The preoperative diagnosis It is now considered standard practice, as it reduces unnecessary surgeries.
What are the main types of breast biopsy?
There are three primary methods:
- Biopsy with a needle
which includes:
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
- Core Needle Biopsy (CNB)
Both are made with local anesthesia and are guided by imaging (ultrasound or mammography). The CNB is now considered the preferred method because of herhigher diagnostic accuracy and possibility of histological evaluation, in contrast to the cytological information provided by FNA.
- Surgical biopsy
It's done with general anesthesia and a larger section of tissue is removed through an incision. It is not recommended as a first choice, unless needle biopsy is not feasible or yields non-diagnostic/negative results while clinical and imaging suspicion remains high.
- Skin punch biopsy
It concerns suspicious alterations in skin or areola, and is carried out with local anesthesia.
The biopsy type selection is always done by the treating physician, taking into account the imaging profile and clinical assessment.
How to prepare?
No special preparation is needed. Inform your doctor if you:
- You are Pregnant
- You have allergies
- You receive anticoagulants (such as aspirin)
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and have it with you your bra for comfort and support after the procedure.
Are there complications?
The complications are rare, with a frequency of <3%. Possible mild reactions are:
- Swelling (edema)
- Bruising (ecchymosis)
- Hematoma
- Local infection
If observed redness, fever or fluid secretion, contact your doctor immediately.
What happens after the biopsy?
After the biopsy:
- Most patients they return home immediately
- You might need to soft painkiller (e.g. paracetamol)
- The area can be bruised for a few days
For the next ones 5–10 days recommended:
- Avoidance Strenuous exercise
- No lifting Heavy lifting
- Avoidance Sudden movements
The results are usually available in 3 to 7 days and determine the next step in treatment.
Why trust Breast Aware?
At breastaware.gr we provide valid, accessible and scientifically documented information for breast health. Understanding each diagnostic procedure is the first step to making good decisions and actively participating in your health care.
Get informed — Trust — Protect yourself
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Bibliography:
- Bruening W, et al. Systematic review: comparative effectiveness of core-needle and open surgical biopsy to diagnose breast lesions. Ann Intern Med. 2010;152(4):238–46.
- Youk JH, et al. Missed breast cancers at US-guided core needle biopsy: how to reduce them. Radiographics. 2007;27 Suppl 1:S79–89.
- Liberman L. Clinical management issues in percutaneous core breast biopsy. Radiol Clin North Am. 2000;38(5):791–807.
- American College of Radiology. ACR BI-RADS® Atlas – Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. 5th ed. Reston, VA: ACR; 2013.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. Version 5.2024.
- Bukhari N, et al. Use of fine-needle aspiration in the evaluation of breast lumps. Patholog Res Int. 2011;2011:689521.
