Breast Biopsy
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is a tissue sampling technique that uses a
special instrument and imaging guidance to remove samples of breast tissue
through a single, small skin incision. This technique allows the surgeon to
remove more tissue through a single incision than is possible with a traditional
core biopsy and is a much less invasive procedure than an
open surgical biopsy.
For these reasons, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is becoming more common as a
diagnostic tool in the management of
breast lumps and abnormalities.
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What is a breast biopsy?
A breast biopsy is a procedure in which part or all of a suspicious breast growth is removed and examined, usually for the presence of
cancer. The growth sample is suctioned out through a needle or cut out using a surgical procedure. The sample is then examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist to identify non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue.
Words used to refer to the abnormal area or growth before and after diagnosis may include lump, mass, lesion, and tumor.
What is the purpose of a breast biopsy?
The basic aim of a breast biopsy is to determine whether or not a worrisome lump is cancer and, if it is cancer, what type it is. When no cancer is detected, the diagnosis of a benign or harmless lump is reassuring.
Next: What specialties of physicians and practitioners do breast biopsies? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Breast Cancer - Read about breast cancer causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis (mammogram), staging, research and treatment options (chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy) in women. Source:Government
- Fibrocystic Breast Condition - Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) are breasts that are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The most common symptom is breast pain and tenderness. Source:MedicineNet
- Breast Lumps In Women - Read about the types of breast lumps in women causes including: injuries to the breast, fibroadenomas, cysts, fibrocystic changes, and cancer. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is also discussed in the article. Source:MedicineNet
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