Breast Biopsy

By Ferocious Media | June 27, 2023

BREAST BIOPSY

Committed to Providing Exceptional, Minimally Invasive Exams

Breast Biopsy at ZP

A breast biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a sample of living tissue is removed with a tiny needle to be examined by a pathologist, a doctor specially trained in tissue identification. The sample of tissue is usually examined under a microscope to determine if it is healthy or if it shows any kind of disease or abnormality.

In many cases, the use of medical imaging such as MRI, mammography, or ultrasound is used to guide the doctor in performing the biopsy to help pinpoint the tissue, organ, or bone under observation.

We provide a full range of needle aspirations and core needle biopsy techniques. Guided by the latest mammography (stereotactic), ultrasound, and MRI technology, patients receive the highest level of comfort and precision during their exam.

Why Breast Biopsies Are Done

Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous.

A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. Image-guided needle biopsy is not designed to remove the entire lesion, but to obtain a small sample of the abnormality for further analysis.

Try Not to Panic or Worry

Although a biopsy can be scary, most breast biopsies in the U.S. don’t show cancer, but it is still necessary to show whether or not something is cancer. If breast cancer is found, it can be treated. With standard treatment, most people with breast cancer found early have a higher chance of survival.

What to Expect During the Test?

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
A fine needle aspiration biopsy is the simplest biopsy. It uses an extremely thin needle – thinner than the ones used for blood tests. Because the needle is so fine, this procedure is relatively painless. The physician inserts the needle into the lump and draws out fluid or a tissue sample. If clear fluid comes out, the lump is more likely to be a benign cyst rather than cancer. A pathologist will examine the fluid or tissue sample under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

Core Needle Biopsy
A core needle biopsy uses a somewhat larger, hollow needle to remove tiny cylinders (cores) of tissue from the suspicious area. Core needle biopsies usually require a local anesthetic for your comfort. The needle is inserted a few times to obtain samples. While this procedure takes longer than a fine needle aspiration biopsy, it is more likely to give a definitive result because more samples of tissue were checked.

How to Prepare For Your Breast Biopsy?

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve for one week prior to your appointment
If you take Coumadin, Plavix, or any other blood thinners, you must get approval from your doctor to stop the medication one week prior to your biopsy.
Avoid fish oil and high doses of vitamins (except for prenatal vitamins).
On the day of the appointment, do not apply deodorant, perfume, cream, powder, or lotion on the breast or underarm areas.
If possible, wear a full cup support bra or sports bra for after your exam and either a zipper or button-down top.

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Why Choose Zwanger Pesiri?

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology brings world-class expertise to the Long Island community. Our subspecialty-trained radiologists are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology with fellowship training in a variety of specialties. They are highly-skilled, highly-knowledgeable, and make patient care a priority. To learn more, contact us today.