Understanding Your Breast Biopsy: What to Expect

If your doctor has recommended a breast biopsy, it's natural to feel apprehensive. However, a biopsy is a straightforward and essential diagnostic tool that provides definitive answers. Understanding the process can help demystify it and ease your concerns.

What is a Breast Biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of breast tissue is removed from a suspicious area and sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. It is the only way to know for sure if a breast lump or abnormal finding on a mammogram or ultrasound is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Types of Biopsies

There are several types of biopsies, and Dr. Loots will choose the one most appropriate for your situation:

• Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): This uses a very thin needle to draw out fluid or cells from a lump. It's often used for cysts.
• Core Needle Biopsy: This is the most common type. A slightly larger, hollow needle is used to remove several small, cylinder-shaped samples of tissue. This is typically done in-rooms using local anaesthetic.
• Surgical Biopsy (Excisional or Incisional): This procedure involves surgically removing all (excisional) or part (incisional) of the suspicious lump. It is performed in a day-case theatre under sedation or general anaesthesia.

What to Expect During the Procedure

For needle biopsies performed in the rooms, the area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. The procedure is usually very quick. For surgical biopsies, you will be given sedation or anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free.

After the tissue sample is collected, it is sent to the lab. The results are usually available within a few days. Dr. Loots will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss the findings in detail and plan the next steps, if any are needed.