- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
A very small needle, attached to a syringe, is inserted into the area and
suction applied to remove cells. May or may not have local anesthesia given. No
scar left. May return to normal activities. Cells sent for cytopathology
studies. Performed in a physician's office or clinic. May need to be followed
by an incisional or excisional biopsy.
- Core Needle Biopsy
A larger needle with a special cutting edge removes a core of tissues from the
breast. Local anesthesia is used. Performed in a physician's office or clinic.
Sample tissue is sent to pathology lab. Usually no scar. May resume normal
activities.
- Needle Localization
Performed on areas difficult to locate by feeling or found on mammography. Area
is identified by mammography. Fine wire is inserted so the tip will rest in the
identified area. A second mammogram confirms placement of the correct position.
Localization wire is taped to the breast and patient is transferred to surgery
for the surgeon to remove the identified area. Local anesthesia is given. The
tissue removed is sent to pathology. A small scar is left on the breast.
Activities may be limited for several days until area heals.
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- Stereotactic Biopsy
Performed on areas difficult to feel or ones located only on mammography.
Patient may sit or lie on a table where the breast falls through an opening.
The breast is compressed and pictures taken to identify the area. A computer
calculates the position of the biopsy needle. Local anesthesia is given. A
small incision may be made on the breast where the needle will enter. The
needle is inserted and removes the suspicious tissues. Biopsy specimen is sent
to pathology. No scar is left on the breast. Normal activities can be resumed.
- Incisional Biopsy
A surgeon removes a portion of the lump in a surgical suite. Local or general
anesthesia will be used. A short time is required in the recovery room after
the surgery. A scar is left on the breast. The specimen is sent to the
pathologist. Activities will be restricted until stitches are removed.
- Excisional Biopsy
A surgeon removes the entire lump in a surgical suite. Local or general
anesthesia is used. A short time is required in recovery. Stitches close the
incision. Activities are restricted until stitches are removed. A scar is left
on the breast. The biopsy specimen is sent to pathology.
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