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Read MoreDuring a biopsy, your doctor will remove a tissue, cell or fluid sample from the breast for further examination.
Inspira’s Approach to Breast Biopsy
Your care team may recommend a breast biopsy if your radiologist detects a suspicious lump or apparent growth. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re at risk for cancer. In fact, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that 80 percent of women who have a breast biopsy do not have breast cancer. However, a biopsy is one of the most accurate ways to determine if a malignancy/cancer is present. As with all types of cancer, early detection greatly increases your chance of a complete recovery.
During a biopsy, your doctor will remove a tissue, cell or fluid sample from the affected breast for further examination under a microscope. A breast biopsy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in which the patient is placed under local anesthesia.
At Inspira, we use advanced techniques to ensure the biopsy process is as quick, and non-invasive as possible. We understand that awaiting results can be stressful. When screening reveals the need for a biopsy, we offer quick appointments and our radiologists reach out within 48-72 hours with feedback. In some cases, results can be revealed on the same day that your biopsy is performed.
Inspira Breast Cancer Specialists
If you’d like more information about cancer screening, diagnosis or prevention, our team is here to help.
Types of Breast Biopsy
There are three primary types of biopsies, and it will be up to your doctor to decide which procedure to perform based on factors such as the size and location of the growth:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): This approach is used most often when the suspected lump is discovered during a clinical breast exam. It is the simplest way to distinguish between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass.
- Core needle biopsy: If a lump is visible on a mammogram or ultrasound, or if your doctor can feel (palpate) it during an exam, a radiologist or surgeon will use a slightly larger needle to extract breast tissue for further examination. Imaging techniques, such as a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI, will be used during this type of biopsy to guide the needle to the affected site.
- Surgical biopsy: All or a portion of the breast mass may be removed during a surgical biopsy. These procedures are performed in an operating room and require sedation.
If surgery is needed, Inspira, utilizes SAVI SCOUT® technology whenever possible. This passive device, which is roughly the size of a grain of rice, is implanted conveniently at our biopsy locations any day prior to surgery. During surgery, SCOUT® helps surgeons locate tumors, therefore sparing healthy breast tissue. In addition, this technology increases patient comfort and decreases procedure time.
