Breast Cancer Awareness Part 3 - Breast Cancer Biopsy

Usually a biopsy is recommended when there is someMinimally Invasive Biopsies
sort of abnormality on a physical examination or aWomen are beginning to seek procedures that are
radiology test. A breast cancer biopsy is a procedureless invasive and traumatic to the body. Less scarring
that allows the doctor to remove a small amount ofof the breast tissue is also something that women
tissue from the breast the tissue is then taken to arequest. Special instruments and techniques are used
lab for examination. There are multiple biopsyto make this possible. By using modern day
procedures that can be performed. Local anesthetic istechnology, such as computers and mammograms,
a procedure that is used to numb a specified area.surgeons are now able to see 3D images which help
General anesthesia can also be used; which allows afind the exact location of the breast lump or
patient to be sedated throughout the wholesuspicious tissue and remove it with a needle.
procedure. The size and location of the lump orUltrasound-guided biopsy
abnormality is what determines the type ofA computer and transducer can be used to send
procedure will be used for the breast cancer biopsy.ultrasonic sound waves which will create an image of
There are different varieties of biopsies that can bethe breast lump or mass. The technique helps guide
done and because of this fact, it is recommended tothe needle while the surgeon is taking the biopsy.
discuss which option is best for you with your healthThis procedure is called the ultrasound-guided biopsy.
care provider. One procedure includes using a fineThe stereotactic and ultrasound-guided techniques
needle aspirate. This is recommended to separate acan be assisted by a mamma tone breast cancer
cyst from a lump. The fine needle aspirate is used tobiopsy system which is also knows as a vacuumed
withdraw fluid from the lump. Open or surgical biopsyassistant biopsy. A tube is inserted into the breast
can also be performed. This procedure usuallylump or mass and the breast tissue is gently
requires general anesthetic in which a surgeon willsuctioned into the tube and a rotating knife then
remove part or the entire lump from the affectedremoves the tissue. The handheld mammogram
area. An incision is made in the breast and the tissuedevice has been approved by the US Food and Drug
is then removed. Incisional biopsy and ExcisionalAdministration since 1999.
biopsy are two types of surgical biopsies that can beBest MRI
used to remove suspicious or cancerous tissue fromArticles that have been published recently suggest
the breast. Incisional biopsy is when a small amountthat women who have certain risks would be able to
of the lump is removed whereas Excisional biopsy thebenefit from a breast MRI or magnetic resonance
whole lump is removed. There is a wire localizationimaging test. The magnetic resonance imaging test
technique that can also be used. This is done whenuses magnetic field and radio waves to make a
the lump is small, deep and difficult to locate. Thecomputer image of the breast. This procedure
technique uses a special wire which is place into therequired no radiation or x-rays. The radiological testing
lump using x-ray guidance. The surgeon then followswill benefit women by providing more information
that wire to locate where the lump is within theabout the breast tissue and may prevent
breast.unnecessary biopsies.