Breast biopsy is a process in which a doctor takes small pieces of tissue for further pathomorphological analysis. This method is the main one that allows you to confirm an oncological diagnosis.
Indications
The main indications for breast biopsy are:
- the presence of seals in the tissues of the breast;
- presence of darkened areas, detected as a result of ultrasound;
- discharge from the breast , changing its skin, peeling.
In the presence of these changes, a woman should consult a mammologist who, on the basis of clinical manifestations, decides to have a biopsy. Typically, a biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis. Depending on the variety, anesthesia, both local and general, can be used during its implementation.
Types of biopsy
The main types of biopsy that are used in diagnosing the breast are stereotactic, fine-needle, and incisional and excisional.
Fine needle biopsy
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast can be used with already detected, easily palpable breast tumors. Many women, after her appointment, ask 2 questions: "How do breast biopsies?" And "Does it hurt?".
The procedure is carried out while sitting. Previously, the doctor makes marks on the skin of the chest, which are then treated with an antiseptic. A thin, long needle is inserted into the thickness of the gland, to which a syringe is attached. Pulling the piston into the syringe, he collects some of the glandular tissue, which is then examined. During this procedure, a woman experiences a slight pain.
Stereotactic biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsy involves the collection of several pieces of tissue samples from different tumor sites in the mammary gland. In the case where the formation lies deep and is not probed, mammography and ultrasound are used. It is spent lying on the operating table, on the back. With the help of a specially designed apparatus, several images are taken, at different angles. As a result, a three-dimensional image is obtained, with which a place is set for the subsequent insertion of the needle.
Injection biopsy
The method consists in excision of a small area of the tumor. The collected tissue sample is then microscopically examined to determine a malignant tumor or benign. It is performed under local anesthesia, which completely excludes the presence of painful sensations in a woman.
Excisional biopsy
During the excision biopsy (trepanobiopsy) of the breast, a small surgical intervention is performed, which consists in excision of part or all of the tumor. It is carried out under general anesthesia.
Preparation
Before carrying out any biopsy of the breast, a woman is assigned various examinations. With their help, it is possible to establish the volume and degree of spread of the tumor.
How are results evaluated?
To obtain the results of a breast biopsy, it takes, as a rule, several days. Only after all available features of the samples have been studied, the pathologist draws up a conclusion. It necessarily displays all information relating to the size of cells, the color of tissues, the location of the tumor. It is necessary to indicate whether there are any atypical cells in the samples. If such are found out, the woman is appointed or nominated operation, which purpose is removal of a tumor. This method is radical and is used only when a malignant tumor is detected.