Breast Biopsy
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Carolina Breast Care Specialists, PA
Sean T. Canale, MD, FACS
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery located in Raleigh, NC
When you have an abnormal mammogram or suspicious breast changes, Dr. Sean T. Canale, MD, FACS, might recommend a breast biopsy. With more than 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Canale established Carolina Breast Care Specialists, PA, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to provide women with the highest quality, specialized breast care available. To schedule a same-day, next-day, or second-opinion breast cancer consultation, call Carolina Breast Care Specialists, or book an appointment online today.
Breast Biopsy Q & A
What is a breast biopsy?
Dr. Canale performs a breast biopsy to collect a small amount of breast tissue for lab analysis. These tests look at abnormal breast tissue to determine if it’s cancerous or noncancerous.
There are several types of breast biopsies.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
This biopsy method uses a small needle attached to a syringe to collect fluid from the lump in your breast. When Dr. Canale can’t obtain a viable tissue sample, he might recommend a more invasive biopsy, like ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy.
Ultrasound-guided core biopsy
During an ultrasound-guided core biopsy, Dr. Canale uses ultrasound technology to precisely identify the location of your mass before making a small incision and inserting a hollow needle to collect core samples of cells.
Stereotactic-guided biopsy
These biopsies rely on a mammogram to precisely pinpoint the abnormal tissue within your breast. Once located, Dr. Canale makes a tiny incision and extracts tissue samples using a needle or vacuum-powered probe.
In some cases, Dr. Canale performs a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy to remove larger portions of tissue while you’re under sedation.
Why do I need a breast biopsy?
Dr. Canale might recommend a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, including:
- Having an abnormal mammogram
- Ultrasound or MRI imaging showing irregular breast tissue
- Changes in your areola, nipple, or breast tissue
You might also need a breast biopsy if you have a lump or thickening tissue in your breast.
What can I expect during a breast biopsy?
Dr. Canale recommends different biopsy procedures based on your physical exam and tests.
In most cases, he administers local anesthesia to the area to numb the site in advance. Depending on your specific biopsy, Dr. Canale might also place a small steel marker from where he removes tissue. This can help easily identify the area in the future if your biopsy reveals precancerous or cancerous cells and requires additional treatment.
With the exception of surgical biopsies or lumpectomies, you can go home immediately after having a breast biopsy. In most cases, you can also resume regular activities within a day or two, but you may have mild pain or bruising for a short period of time.
Dr. Canale follows up with next steps when he receives the results of the lab analysis proved.
To learn more about breast biopsy, call Carolina Breast Care Specialists, or schedule an appointment online today.
