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Breast Biopsy for Detection of Abnormalities in the Breast

Breast biopsy is a procedure for taking samples of tissue from the breast to detect abnormalities. This procedure is also performed to evaluate whether a lump in the breast is malignant or cancerous. Tissue samples taken from breast biopsy are used to detect abnormalities in breast cells that cause lump formation. The cells or tissue taken will be examined in a laboratory to determine whether breast cancer is present. A breast biopsy is also performed to determine whether you need a surgical procedure or other treatment.

Reasons for breast biopsy need to be done

The doctor will usually recommend to do a breast biopsy if you find a lump in the breast during physical examination. However, it should be understood that breast lumps are not always cancerous. Aside from the lump, a breast biopsy is also recommended when the doctor sees anything suspicious about the results of breast ultrasound or a mammogram. If the following symptoms or signs are found, the doctor needs to do a breast biopsy to confirm the presence or absence of breast cancer:
  • The appearance of a lump in the breast.
  • Breast skin looks like orange peel or there are dimples around the nipple (dimpling).
  • Breast skin thickening or scaly.
  • Fluid from the nipple outside the breastfeeding period.
  • A rash on the breast appears.
  • Breast pain.
  • Enlarged blood vessels in the breast.
  • The shape of the nipple changes, for example the nipple goes inside.
  • Changes in breast size, shape or weight.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits.

Preparation Before Breast Biopsy

There are several things that you need to inform your doctor before a breast biopsy is performed, so that the breast biopsy procedure runs smoothly, namely:
  • A history of allergy to drugs, especially to anesthetics used for anesthesia procedures.
  • Drugs that are being consumed, such as blood-thinning drugs or anticoagulants, including over-the-counter medicines that can thin the blood such as aspirin.
  • Unable to sleep on his stomach for a long time.
  • You are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy.
If your doctor recommends an MRI before a breast biopsy, tell your doctor if you are using a pacemaker, or metal and other electronic devices that are embedded in the body.

Different Types of Breast Biopsy

There are several types of breast biopsy based on the tool used, namely:

  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy

    • This type of biopsy can be done with local anesthesia, and assisted with ultrasound. After being given anesthesia, the doctor will insert a thin needle into the skin to take a sample of cells in the breast. Fine needle aspiration can also be used to distinguish whether a lump in the breast is a dense tissue or a fluid filled cyst.

  • Core needle biopsy

    • The doctor will use a needle that is larger than the fine needle aspiration biopsy. Doctors can use ultrasound and MRI as a guide to remove the core of the problematic tissue sample.

  • Stereotactic biopsy

    • To perform a stereotactic breast biopsy, imaging is needed from a mammogram to determine the exact location of the suspected tissue in the breast. The doctor will make a small incision and insert a needle or special suction device to remove the breast tissue sample. This breast biopsy technique is usually performed on the types of breast disorders that are not detected when the doctor performs a breast exam.

  • Surgical biopsy

    • Surgical biopsy or excisional biopsy is a type of biopsy performed by a surgical incision. This biopsy technique is done after the patient is under general anesthesia in the operating room.
The doctor can also take skin or nipple samples if the patient is suspected of having inflamed breast cancer. This condition is called Paget's disease.

Post Breast Biopsy Treatment and the Results

After the breast biopsy procedure, the doctor will send a tissue sample from your breast biopsy to the laboratory for further examination. After any type of breast biopsy procedure, the doctor will tell you how to treat the biopsied area to keep it clean and how to change the dressing. Ice compresses can be used to reduce swelling and bruising. You can also take pain medication according to your doctor's prescription to reduce pain. It can take several days for the breast biopsy sample to be analyzed. Usually, this biopsy examination takes 3 days to 1 week. Laboratory test results will show whether the cells in the tissue examined are benign, pre-cancerous, or cancerous. Based on the results of a biopsy examination or pathology report of the cancer, the doctor will determine the follow-up examination and necessary treatment measures.

Risk of Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is an important procedure for making a diagnosis of breast cancer. However, there are some risks and complications that can occur while undergoing a breast biopsy, such as:
  • Changes in breast shape, according to the extent of tissue removed during breast biopsy.
  • Bruised and swollen breasts.
  • Breast pain in the location of the biopsy.
  • Bleeding or infection at the biopsy site.
Immediately consult a doctor, if after undergoing a breast biopsy procedure, you have a fever, the location of the biopsy is reddish or feels warm, as well as discharge. It is possible that the symptoms above are signs of infection that require immediate treatment.

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