Methods of diagnosing breast disease

Fine-needle aspiration
A needle is inserted into the lump to withdraw the fluid from a cyst or to obtain a sample from a solid lump or lymph node. Anesthesia is local. This procedure is performed in your doctor's office.

Core-needle biopsy
A larger sample of tissue can be taken from a palpable lump using a hollow needle, and from an impalpable lump using a hollow needle in conjunction with ultrasound or mammogram.

This procedure is performed in our office or a breast imaging center under local anesthesia, and leaves little or no scarring.This currently is the gold standard for breast biopsy, and 90% to 95% of all biopsies should be performed with this technique.

Excisional Biopsy with needle localization
An impalpable mass or abnormality on mammogram or ultrasound (which cannot be successfully addressed by core-biopsy) is localized by a fine wire using mammogram or ultrasound guidance. Anesthesia is local, with sedation, or a short general anesthetic. The surgeon follows the wire down like a fishing line to a fish and removes the abnormality marked by the tip of the wire. This procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center.

Excisional Biopsy of a palpable mass
The palpable mass is removed in its entirety through a small incision. Anesthesia is local, with sedation, or a short general anesthetic. This procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center.  

Post procedure care after a breast biopsy
Your Incision - Your "cut" was closed with hidden stitches that will dissolve over the next several weeks.  The incision is covered with strips of tape and a plastic bandage.

Diet & Activity - You may be a little groggy or nauseous from the anesthesia today, so adjust your diet and activity accordingly.  You may resume full activity tomorrow - for example, you may work, exercise, and engage in sexual activity.   Of course, you should not drive or operate machinery if you are taking any narcotic pain medication.

Pain - You were injected with a long-acting pain medicine at the time of your surgery.  As a result, you may not have much post-op pain at all.  If you do have mild pain, take extra strength Tylenol or its generic equivalent.   If you have more than mild pain, use your prescribed medication as directed by your surgeon.  Do not drive or operate machinery if you are taking narcotic pain medication. 

Note:  Many women find that wearing a supportive bra decreases discomfort.

Biopsy Results – Most often your results will be available in two to five (2 – 5) days, depending on the hospital and the method of analysis used.  

Post operation follow-up visit - Please call your doctor to make a follow up appointment over the next week.   Your doctor will  check your incision (no stitches to remove!) and review your biopsy results with you.  He or she will also give you information and instructions for ongoing breast care and health.