Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is a procedure used to remove a small section of breast tissue for microscopic analysis to determine whether cancer or other abnormal cells are present. Breast biopsies are often used when a patient or doctor notices a breast lump or thickening, when a mammogram or ultrasound detects a lesion or tumor, or when a patient experiences unusual changes in the nipple. Surgical biopsies remove a small section of the breast mass (incisional biopsy) or it the entire breast mass (excisional biopsy or lumpectomy). A surgical biopsy is usually done in an operating room. The surgeon may use the tip of a thin wire to locate and mark the suspicious breast mass. The removed tissue may be X-rayed to determine whether cancer cells are in the mass, and more tissue needs to be removed. Once the mass has been removed, the surgeon may place a tiny stainless steel marker or clip at the biopsy site. This marker allows the doctor to quickly locate the biopsied area if a future follow-up procedure is necessary.