Slide 1
What you should know about breast biopsies
Slide 2:
What is a mom biopsy?
A mom biopsy is a procedure that removes some tissue to be tested to determine if cancer is present, if anything looks suspicious, or if something was found in your mom during an exam.
8 out of 10 breast biopsies have negative results, but it is important to do the analysis.
Slide 3:
What happens during a mom biopsy?
A radiologist or breast surgeon will collect tissue and analyze it to determine if it contains abnormal cells.
There are three ways to do this:
- Fine needle aspiration
- Core needle biopsy
- Surgery
- By incision: tissue or part of a mass is removed
- By excision: a mass or suspicious area is completely removed
Slide 4:
Fine needle aspiration
A fine needle with a syringe is inserted into the mass to collect cells or fluid for analysis purposes.
Outpatient procedure in a healthcare provider’s office.
Slide 5:
Core needle biopsy
A long, hollow needle is guided into the mass after the area is numbed.
Collects more tissue than fine needle aspiration.
It is usually done with the assistance of a mammogram, MRI or ultrasound.
Outpatient procedure in a healthcare provider’s office.
Slide 6:
surgical biopsy
Surgical tools are used to remove tissue, part of a mass, or an entire mass.
It is done when a needle biopsy:
- You can’t reach the mass
- Cannot remove enough tissue
- Produced previous ambiguous results
It is performed in an operating or procedure room under general anesthesia.
Slide 7:
What are markers or staples?
Sesame seed-sized markers made of titanium or stainless steel are inserted into your mom during a biopsy and left there to indicate the precise location of a mass, allowing healthcare providers to examine the affected area.
They will not be felt and will not set off metal detector alarms.
Slide 8:
Questions to ask your doctor before the biopsy
What biopsy will you do?
How long does a mom biopsy take?
Will the biopsy leave a scar?
Will they remove all the dough?
Will I be awake?
How long will it take for me to be able to resume my normal activities?
When will I get the results?
Slide 9:
Tips to minimize pain
Wear a bra and a shirt when you go to your doctor’s appointment. Using ice packs in your bra after your appointment can minimize discomfort and reduce leakage.
Breathing and visualization techniques may be helpful in reducing pain during the procedure.
Slide 10:
During recovery
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Anticipate more toning, irritation or sensitivity for up to a couple of weeks.
Take a mild pain reliever such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen.
Expect to resume your normal activities until the next day.
Results will be provided after several hours or days.
This educational resource was prepared with the support of Daiichi Sankyo & Hologic.