Description of the test
A breast biopsy is the removal and examination of a sample of breast tissue. This test is usually done when a lump is detected during a breast examination, mammogram, or ultrasound. The sample can either be taken using a needle, or it can be cut out.
A biopsy is taken, a sample of fluid and tissue, with a needle from a lump in the breast for further investigation.
How often should this test be performed?
Your doctor will decide when and how frequently this test is required.
Why is this test performed?
A breast biopsy is performed to help evaluate abnormalities (such as lumps) that are found in the breast. Most growths, such as cysts (sacs filled with fluid) or fibroadenomas (non-cancerous growths of fibrous tissue), are benign, or harmless. However, breast lumps can also be malignant, or cancerous.
A breast biopsy allows the doctor to obtain a sample of the breast tissue, to determine if the lump is cancerous or harmless. If the lump is cancerous, this test can help determine the type of cancer.
Are there any risks and precautions I should know about?
Although a breast biopsy is generally considered safe, it does have some risks. There is a slight risk of a false negative result (i.e., the negative test result was in error). The risk of a false negative result decreases as the amount of tissue removed increases.
Certain risks are common to all surgery and anesthesia. These risks depend on many factors including the type of surgery and your own medical condition. Although some may be rare, the possible risks include side effects of the anesthetic, breathing problems, infection, bleeding, and scarring.
An infection can often be treated with antibiotics. More severe infections may be drained surgically.
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