When a lump or abnormality is found in the breast, a biopsy is often recommended to determine whether it is cancerous or not. There are several types of interventional breast biopsies available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are the three main types of interventional breast biopsies.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a thin needle into the breast to remove a small sample of cells or fluid from the lump or abnormality. This type of biopsy is often used to diagnose cysts or to sample cells from a solid lump. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a quick and relatively painless procedure that can be performed in the doctor's office or clinic.
Core needle biopsy. A core needle biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a larger needle to remove a sample of tissue from the breast. This type of biopsy is often used to diagnose solid lumps or abnormalities that cannot be seen on an imaging test. Core needle biopsy is usually performed under local anesthesia and can be done in the doctor's office or clinic. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Vacuum-assisted biopsy. A vacuum-assisted biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a needle and a vacuum-powered instrument to remove multiple tissue samples from the breast. This type of biopsy is often used to diagnose lumps or abnormalities that cannot be seen on an imaging test or that are difficult to reach with a core needle biopsy. Vacuum-assisted biopsy is usually performed under local anesthesia and can take up to an hour to complete.
In addition to these three main types of interventional breast biopsies, there are other types of biopsies that may be used depending on the individual case. For example, surgical biopsy is a more invasive procedure that involves removing a larger piece of breast tissue through a small incision. This type of biopsy is usually reserved for cases where other biopsy methods have not provided a definitive diagnosis.
In conclusion, there are several types of interventional breast biopsies available, including fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, and vacuum-assisted biopsy. Each type of biopsy has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the type of biopsy recommended by your doctor will depend on the size and location of the abnormality being examined. If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming interventional breast biopsy, talk to your doctor.