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Surgical Breast Biopsy Procedure



 Submitted by Medical Health Test Team on May 21, 2010
Breast Biopsy

A biopsy is the medical procedure where a small amount of tissue is removed from an organ for testing. Biopsies are usually carried out on tumor masses that are abnormal for testing. These tumor masses may be malignant or cancerous and such a test is required to confirm the diagnosis either way. In some cases the entire lump that is being biopsied may be removed. This is done if the lump is small enough for easy removal because the lump is abnormal to the area in any case. It does not matter if the lump is cancerous or benign when removing it. This sort of removal avoids a subsequent surgery to remove the rest of the lump.

A breast biopsy is ordered when an abnormal mass is detected. Routine breast examinations are recommended for women as they approach menopause as this is the risky age for developing breast cancer. It is advisable for women to massage their own breasts regularly in order to notice any textural difference in the breast tissue. Any lumps detected by touch must be reported to a doctor immediately for further testing. Regular breast examinations might also reveal similar problems which must be diagnosed. When imaging based scanning techniques are used, the breasts are scanned for any abnormal tissue. If any of these tests shows an abnormal formation of cells, these cells will be biopsied based on their location that has been found using the visual reference of the test.

A breast biopsy is done either under local anesthesia or under mild or complete general anesthesia. Anesthesia is done to avoid any pain as well as to prevent any jerky movement of the patient causing an unwanted rupture during the procedure. Based on the tumor location, a cut is made and the surrounding skin and tissue is moved aside. The mass is then partially or completely removed and sent immediately for testing. The skin is then moved back into place and the cut is usually sealed using sutures. The area will then be dressed and cleaned again before the patient is moved back to a normal hospital room where she will come out of the anesthesia. Testing is conducted immediately in most cases, but it is likely to take some time before results are absolutely clear. The results of the test will dictate any further course of action that needs to be taken. If the lump is completely removed and is benign, then there should be no further procedure required.

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