If you are at risk of breast cancer or other breast-related conditions, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a breast biopsy. A breast biopsy is a helpful test for doctors to investigate any abnormalities found during a breast imaging test, but it can seem like a scary procedure if you don’t know what to expect.
In this article, we discuss how to prepare for a breast biopsy: what it is, what it’s for, what risks there might be, and what to expect during the procedure. Read on to know more!
What is a Breast Biopsy?
A breast biopsy is a procedure wherein a small sample of breast tissue is removed for testing. The tissue sample is taken to a lab where pathologists—doctors specializing in the analysis of blood and body tissue—examine it to provide a diagnosis.
There are different types of breast biopsies, and they usually vary according to the procedure being done. For example, a fine needle versus a core needle biopsy varies in terms of the type of needle being used and the size of the tissue being extracted for examination.
On the other hand, in a surgical biopsy, a small incision is made in the breast to extract the tissue. Another type is the stereotactic biopsy, a type of core needle biopsy that uses a mammogram to guide the needle into the exact location of the abnormal tissue.
Regardless of the type of biopsy required, the purpose is the same, and each type offers similarly conducive results.
When Would a Doctor Recommend a Breast Biopsy?
If you’re the type to routinely have a breast exam (and it’s highly recommended that you do), your doctor will be quick to notice if there are any abnormalities in the breast. Similarly, if they recommended a breast imaging test, it will also be easy to spot if there is something amiss happening in your body.
Here are some abnormalities that doctors can spot during a breast exam:
- A lump or mass detected in the breast
- Calcifications or a suspicious area found on a mammogram
- Thickening or distortion detected on an ultrasound, fluid in the breast
- A change in the skin of the breast like redness, scaliness, or thickening.
Additionally, if a previous biopsy has shown abnormal cells or cancer, a second biopsy may confirm or revise the diagnosis.
When an abnormality is found and serious breast conditions like cancer are suspected but cannot be determined, the best way to confirm it is through a breast biopsy.
Are There Any Risks to Undergoing a Breast Biopsy?
All medical procedures come with some form of risk, but in the case of a breast biopsy, the risk of serious complications is quite low, and the benefits often outweigh them.
You might see some bleeding at the biopsy site or experience some pain or discomfort. Depending on the type of biopsy, the procedure might leave a small scar.
There’s a small risk of infection, which may require antibiotics, and a small risk of false negative or false positive results as well. Finally, in some very rare cases, more serious complications can occur.
Having a good team behind you is crucial to ensure you don’t come across any of these risks. Our doctors at Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas are professionally trained experts and have the experience to back up their skills in the field.
What Should You Expect During a Breast Biopsy, and How Do You Prepare?
Whenever you are about to undergo a medical procedure, you should always ask your doctor how to prepare. Follow these instructions precisely, and make sure to inform your doctor if, for any reason, you cannot. Depending on the type of biopsy, you might have to avoid certain medications, fast before the procedure, or arrange transportation back home from the hospital once it’s over.
On the day itself, wear comfortable clothing, and keep accessories to a minimum as they could interfere with the procedure if kept on. Before the procedure starts, ask your doctor any questions or bring up any concerns you may have.
During the actual biopsy, you can more or less expect the procedure below. Inform your doctor if you are uncomfortable with any part of the procedure, or if you feel pain at all.
- You will be asked to lie down, and the breast to be biopsied will be positioned.
- A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area.
- The doctor will use a needle or make a small incision—depending on the type of biopsy, as you read above—to remove a tissue sample.
- You may feel some pressure or discomfort, but there should be no pain. Inform your doctor immediately if there is.
- The entire procedure should take about 30 to 60 minutes.
After the procedure, your doctor will provide instructions on what to do, as well as what not to do. You may experience some soreness or bruising at the biopsy site, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Inform your doctor if any abnormalities or pain are felt in the days following the procedure.
Key Takeaway
In this article, we discussed how to prepare for a breast biopsy by clarifying what it is, what it’s for, what risks might be involved, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
At Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas, you have nothing to worry about as our doctors prioritize your well-being and ensure the most painless procedures possible. Aside from having trusted and professional doctors, PHMC-Las Pinas has the most advanced biopsy machine technology that doesn’t need to conduct open surgery for breast diagnosis. So there really is nothing to fear!
For any medical concerns, contact us today to get in touch with a doctor or schedule a consultation.
