What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is procedure that checks an abnormal area of tissue. Doctors use different methods to do breast biopsies.

They can:

• Use a large needle to take 1 or more small samples of tissue from the breast.
• Do an operation to take out part or all of the abnormal tissue.

You might get a biopsy if you or your doctor suspect any abnormal growth, or if an area looks abnormal on:

What happens during biopsy?

Your experience will depend on the type of biopsy you have. The choice is based on:

• The size and location of the abnormal area
• What the abnormal area looks like on your ultrasound or mammogram or CT scan

The 3 main types of biopsies are:

• Fine needle biopsy – For this type of biopsy, the doctor uses a very small needle to remove a small amount of tissue or fluid from the abnormal area.
• Core needle biopsy – For this type of biopsy, the doctor uses a larger needle with a special tip. Often the doctor will also use special imaging equipment to find the abnormal area to take the biopsy.
• One option is an “ultrasound-guided” biopsy. If you have this type of biopsy, you will lie on your back or side and the doctor will hold the ultrasound device against your body to guide the needle
• Surgical biopsy – For this type of biopsy, you will have a small tube (“IV”) in your arm to give you medicines to help you relax and feel sleepy. The surgeon will make a small cut (incision) in your breast and take out the abnormal tissue.

It takes a week to get the report of biopsy. The role of pathologist is most important to do grossing and examine the sample under microscope to give a report.