Over the last decade, perfecting the imaging-guided needle breast biopsy means this is a straightforward, safe, and effective procedure for evaluating women’s breast tissue for possible signs of breast cancer.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, over one million breast biopsies are performed annually in the United States. Before the development of needle breast biopsies, all women undergoing these would have had to have a surgical biopsy.
Our breast imaging specialists at Little Silver Mammography and HerSpace are proud to perform several breast biopsies daily to help women get the answers they need as soon as possible to take appropriate action toward recovery.
“Very friendly and welcoming environment. They all help to make what could be an anxious situation pleasant. Experienced staff is a major plus!!”
M Peters
- What is a Breast Biopsy?
- What Does A Breast Biopsy Do?
- Why Might My Doctor Order A Breast Biopsy?
- What Happens If My Breast Biopsy Finds An Atypical Result?
- How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Breast Biopsy?
- Is A Breast Biopsy Painful?
- Pre And Post-Examination Care
- FAQs
- Why Us?
- Get In Touch
What is a Breast Biopsy?
A breast biopsy involves removing a sample of breast tissue for testing and official diagnosis. The abnormality in the tissue is then safely sent to a lab for pathological diagnosis.
Breast biopsy results can find whether an area of breast tissue is cancerous or benign. Once a pathologist, a specialist in analyzing blood and tissue, examines the breast tissue and gives an official diagnosis, your doctor will know if you need to undergo surgery or develop a treatment plan.
What Does A Breast Biopsy Do?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a breast biopsy is the only procedure to definitively determine if a suspicious area is cancerous and make a substantiated diagnosis.
Why Might My Doctor Order A Breast Biopsy?
Breast biopsies are typically recommended after mammography, MRI, or breast ultrasound discovers a suspicious lesion in the breast tissue.
If you feel a suspicious area in your breast, such as a lump or other symptom of breast cancer, a breast biopsy may also be recommended.
According to the Mayo Clinic, when women have unusual changes in the nipple or areola, such as scaling, dimpling skin, or a bloody discharge, a breast biopsy may be performed.
What Happens If My Breast Biopsy Finds An Atypical Result?
According to the International Journal of Cancer, about 25% of the breast biopsies taken in the U.S. each year result in a breast cancer diagnosis.
If the diagnosis from your needle breast biopsy sample is cancerous, your doctor may recommend a surgical biopsy for further evaluation to get a final confirmation. Otherwise, you and your doctor will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the extent of your diagnosis, your blood and tissue type, and your personal preferences.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Breast Biopsy?
At our New Jersey breast cancer center, we most often deliver imaging-guided needle biopsies with local anesthesia. As this is a minimally invasive procedure, you should only feel minimal discomfort and be able to return to your usual activities the next day.
Is A Breast Biopsy Painful?
You should feel minimal discomfort during your NJ breast biopsy as we use local anesthesia. Usually, patients who report experiencing some tenderness have dense breast tissue or abnormalities in sensitive areas, such as behind the nipple.
You may feel some soreness in the biopsy area for a few days following the procedure, but we have some tips we’ll share with you to ensure a quick, seamless recovery.
Pre And Post-Examination Care
Before your breast biopsy, tell our NJ breast imagers if you:
- Have taken any anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen in the last seven days
- Are currently on blood thinners
- You cannot lie on your stomach for an extended period
- Have any allergies
After your NJ breast biopsy:
- Try to avoid any activities that will stretch the breast or cause the breast to bounce such as jogging for the first few days after your sample is taken
- You can safely remove the bandage and shower on the same day as your procedure
- Wear a supportive bra to ease any discomfort
- Avoid aspirin and other pain medications that may cause bleeding
FAQs
What Is The Purpose Of A Breast Biopsy?
A breast biopsy aims to remove a sample of breast tissue for testing to see if it contains cancerous cells.
Does Insurance Cover A Breast Biopsy?
Most insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast biopsy as it is an official diagnostic procedure, but please check with your insurance provider for the details of what is covered by your specific plan.
What Are The Risks Associated With A Breast Biopsy?
Possible risks of breast biopsy include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Infection or bleeding near the site of the sample
- Changes in breast appearance if the biopsy area heals abnormally
- The need for a surgical biopsy or other treatment, depending on the results
Why Us?
Our team at Little Silver Mammography and HerSpace has helped put hundreds of women at ease as we pursue the clinical objective of detecting and diagnosing breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage.
We recommend thorough research to find radiologists and technologists with excellent reputations, relevant qualifications, and glowing reviews. You can read some of our ‘real patient’ testimonials here!