breast biopsies

Biopsies are minimally invasive procedures that are used to make a diagnosis. They can confirm whether a lump is benign(harmless) or malignant (dangerous). Although mammograms and ultrasounds are excellent at picking up abnormalities in the breasts, they cannot definitively make a diagnosis. Biopsies allow us to either rule out a cancer – giving a patient peace of mind, or confirm a cancer – facilitating treatment. In the event of a cancer diagnosis, the pathologist is also able to determine from the biopsy specimen what type of cancer is present. This helps the surgeons and oncologists plan the most effective treatment for each patient.

In order to get an accurate sample, biopsies are performed under either ultrasound or stereotactic guidance. Ultrasound guidance involves the radiologist visualizing the abnormal area with the ultrasound probe so that the biopsy needle can be accurately placed.

Stereotactic guidance means that the abnormal area is targeted with the mammogram machine.

Most ultrasound guided biopsies are done using a core needle – a thin, hollow needle attached to a spring-loaded device that is fired multiple times into the abnormal area. Stereotactically guided biopsies usually involved a vacuum assisted biopsy device which sucks out a slightly larger specimen. We always place a small metallic clip(marker) at the biopsy site. Whichever guidance and device are used, local anaesthesia ensures that biopsies are not painful!

They are usually short procedures, taking 20 – 30 minutes, after which you can go home. There is a small amount of bruising that generally resolves over a week.