What if the doctor hits an artery during a breast biopsy?

Can a needle break during a breast biopsy?

yes! because you are using it.

Why is a pathologist needed after a breast biopsy?

During the breast biopsy, the health care provider removes a small sample of tissue. The pathologist is the health professional who examines this tissue to determine whether it's cancerous, benign, has certain chemical or physiological characteristics, etc.

When is a biopsy breast test needed?

when a significant abnormality is found by physical examination or an imaging test. Examples of an abnormality can include a breast lump felt during physical self-examination or tissue changes

What is done during a skin cancer biopsy?

A full skin lesion type of biopsy is done by a doctor removing a piece of the skin that is abnormal or infected. This is to get it tested and to rule out cancer.

Breast biopsy - stereotactic?

DefinitionA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. Several different types of biopsy may be done. This article discusses sterotactic breast biopsy. A stereotactic breast biopsy uses mammography to help pinpoint the spot in the breast that needs to be removed.See also:Breast biopsy - openBreast biopsy - ultrasoundLumpectomyAlternative NamesBiopsy - breast - stereotactic; Core needle breast biopsy - stereotactic; Stereotactic breast biopsyHow the test is performedYou will be asked to undress from the waist up.You will most likely be asked to lie facing down on the biopsy table. The breast that is being biopsied will hang through an opening in the table. The table is raised and the doctor will perform the biopsy from underneath. In some cases, stereotactic breast biopsy is done while the woman sits in an upright position.A stereotactic biopsy includes the following steps:The health care provider will first clean the area on your breast, and will then inject a numbing medicine. This may sting a little bit.The breast is pressed down to hold it in position during the procedure. You need to hold still while the biopsy is being performed.The doctor will make a very small cut on your breast over the area that needs to be biopsied.Using a special machine, a needle or sheath is guided to the exact location of the abnormal area. Up to six or more tissue samples are taken.A small metal clip or needle may be placed into the breast in the biopsy area to mark it for biopsy, if needed.The biopsy itself is done using a fine needle aspiration, a hollow needle (called a core needle), a vacuum-powered device, or both a needle and vacuum-powered device.The procedure usually takes about 1 hour, including the time it takes for the x-rays. The actual biopsy only takes several minutes.After the tissue sample has been taken, the catheter or needle is removed. Ice and pressure are applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage will be applied to absorb any fluid. You will not need stitches after the needle is taken out. Steristrips may be placed over any wound, if needed.How to prepare for the testThe health care provider will ask questions about your medical history and perform a manual breast exam.You must sign an informed consent form. If you are going to have general anesthesia, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8 - 12 hours before the test.If you take medications (including aspirin or herbal medications), ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking these before the biopsy.Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant before having an open biopsy.Do not wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.How the test will feelYou may feel a sharp, stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected. During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure.Lying on your stomach for up to 1 hour may be uncomfortable. Using cushions or pillows may help. Some patients are given a pill to help relax them before the procedure.After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. Do not do any heavy lifting or work with your arms for 24 hours after the biopsy. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief.Why the test is performedThis test may be done if your doctor suspects cancer due to abnormal findings on a mammogram or ultrasound of the breast, or during a physical exam.To identify whether someone has breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Tissue and fluid from the abnormal area are removed and examined underneath a microscope.Stereotactic breast biopsy is often used when a small growth or calcifications are seen on a mammogram, but cannot be seen using an ultrasound of the breast.Normal ValuesA normal result means there is no sign of cancer.Your doctor or nurse will let you know when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.What abnormal results meanA biopsy can identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:AdenofibromaFibrocystic breast diseaseMammary fat necrosisBiopsy results may show precancerous breast conditions, including:Atypical ductal hyperplasiaAtypical lobular hyperplasiaIntraductal papillomaTwo main types of breast cancer may be found:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules, which produce milk.Depending on the results of the biopsy, you may need further surgery or treatment.What the risks areThere is a slight chance of infection at the injection or surgical cut site.Excessive bleeding is rare, but may require draining or re-bandaging. Bruising is common.ReferencesAbeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 95.Kim CH, Bassett LW. Imaging-guided core needle biopsy of the breast. In: Bassett LW, Jackson VP, Fu KL, Fu YS. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 17.

Breast biopsy?

DefinitionA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. Several different types of biopsy may be done. This article discusses open breast biopsy. An open biopsy involves making a small cut in the breast and removing breast tissue.See also:Breast biopsy - stereotacticBreast biopsy - ultrasoundLumpectomyAlternative NamesBiopsy - breast; Open breast biopsyHow the test is performedAn open biopsy may remove part (incisional biopsy) or all (excisional biopsy) of the area of interest. If the entire lump or area of interest is removed, this method may also be called a lumpectomy.If the surgeon cannot easily feel the lump or cyst, breast ultrasound or mammography may be used before the biopsy. A needle or wire is placed in the area of interest. This will be left in to help the surgeon.The biopsy will be done in an operating room.Usually, you lie on your back for the procedure. You may receive local anesthesia with medicine to make you sleepy or you may receive general anesthesia.A surgical cut is made in the skin. The wire and breast tissue around it are removed. Sometimes, testing is done at the time of the procedure, but a final diagnosis takes more time.After the tissue sample is taken, the cut is closed with sutures. A dressing and bandage are applied.If you receive general anesthesia, your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored for at least an hour after the procedure. Your health care provider may prescribe pain medication.How to prepare for the testThe health care provider will ask questions about your medical history and perform a manual breast exam.You must sign an informed consent form. If you are going to have general anesthesia, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8 - 12 hours before the test.If you take medications (including aspirin or herbal medications), ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking these before the biopsy.Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant before having an open biopsy.Do not wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.How the test will feelAfter the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. If a surgical cut is made, your doctor may prescribe pain medication.You will probably go home the day of the procedure.Do not do any heavy lifting for 24 hours after the biopsy. Do not take a shower for the first 24 hours.Why the test is performedA biopsy may be done if the doctor is concerned about breast cancer because of abnormal findings on a mammogram or breast ultrasound, or seen during a physical exam.To determine whether someone has breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Cells from the abnormal area are removed and examined under a microscope.Normal ValuesA normal result means there is no sign of cancer.Your doctor or nurse will let you know when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.What abnormal results meanBiopsy may identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:AdenofibromaFibrocystic breast diseaseIntraductal papillomaMammary fat necrosisBiopsy results may show the following precancerous breast conditions:Atypical ductal hyperplasiaAtypical lobular hyperplasiaTwo main types of breast cancer may be found:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules, which produce milk.Depending on the biopsy results, you may need further surgery or treatment.What the risks areThere is a slight chance of infection at the injection or incision site.Excessive bleeding is rare, but may require draining or re-bandaging. Bruising is common.There will be a small scar. Depending on the amount of tissue removed and how the breast heals, the appearance of the breast may be affected.ReferencesAbeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008: chap 95.Whitman GJ. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies. Ultrasound Clin. 2006;1:603-615.Kim CH, Bassett LW. Imaging-guided core needle biopsy of the breast. In: Bassett LW, Jackson VP, Fu KL, Fu, YS. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 17.

Can a biopsy be done during a colposcopy?

If any abnormal areas are seen, the doctor will take a biopsy of the tissue, a common procedure that takes about 15 minutes. Several samples might be taken, depending on the size of the abnormal area. A biopsy may cause temporary discomfort

Breast biopsy - ultrasound?

DefinitionA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.There are several different types of breast biopsies. This article focuses on needle-based and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.See also:Breast biopsy - stereotacticBreast biopsy - openLumpectomyAlternative NamesBiopsy - breast - ultrasound; Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy; Core needle breast biopsy - ultrasoundHow the test is performedBefore the procedure, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will wear a robe that opens in the front.You will be awake during the biopsy. You will lie on your back. The health care provider will first clean the area on your breast, and then inject a numbing medicine.The doctor will make a very small cut on your breast over the area that needs to be biopsied.The doctor will use an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the abnormal area in your breast that needs to be biopsied.Several biopsies may be taken through the same needle or catheter.A small metal clip or needle may be placed into the breast in the area of the biopsy to mark it, if needed.The biopsy is done using fine needle aspiration, a hollow needle (called a core needle), a vacuum-powered device, or a hollow needle and vacuum-powered device.Once the tissue sample has been taken, the catheter or needle is removed. Ice and pressure are applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage will be applied to absorb any fluid. You will not need any stitches after the needle is taken out. Steri-strips may be placed over any wound, if necessary.How to prepare for the testThe health care provider will ask questions about your medical history and perform a manual breast exam.You must sign an informed consent form. If you are going to have general anesthesia, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8 - 12 hours before the test.If you take medications (including aspirin or herbal medications), ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking these before the biopsy.Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant before having a biopsy.Do not wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.How the test will feelWhen the doctor injects the numbing medicine, it may sting a bit.During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure. You should not feel any pain.After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. Do not do any heavy lifting or work with your arms for 24 hours after the biopsy. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain.Although you may have some bruising, there should be no scars left in the breast or on the skin.Why the test is performedAn ultrasound-guided breast biopsy may be done to evaluate abnormal findings on a mammogram or breast ultrasound, or during a physical exam.To determine whether someone has breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Tissue and fluid from the abnormal area are removed and examined under a microscope.Normal ValuesA normal result means there is no sign of cancer or other breast problems.Your doctor or nurse will let you know if and when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.What abnormal results meanA biopsy can identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:AdenofibromaFibrocystic breast diseaseMammary fat necrosisBiopsy results may show precancerous breast conditions, such as:Atypical ductal hyperplasiaAtypical lobular hyperplasiaIntraductal papillomaAbnormal results may mean that you have breast cancer. Two main types of breast cancer may be found:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules, which produce milk.Depending on the biopsy results, you may need further surgery or treatment.What the risks areThere is a slight chance of infection at the injection or incision site. Excessive bleeding is rare.ReferencesAbeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008: chap 95.Whitman GJ. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies. Ultrasound Clin. 2006;1:603-615.Kim CH, Bassett LW. Imaging-guided core needle biopsy of the breast. In: Bassett LW, Jackson VP, Fu KL, Fu YS. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 17.

During a pap smear if a doctor finds a mass will a doctor do a biopsy?

Pap smear uses a small sample of cells gently collected from the cervix to look for cancer or precancerous problems on the cervix. A pap smear doesn't detect a mass. If a doctor finds a mass at the vulva or cervix at the time of your pelvic exam, a biopsy may be done. If the mass is internal, for example at the uterus or ovaries, it's not likely that you've have a biopsy that day.

My breast stopped hurting during early pregnancy could this be a miscarriage?

Probably not but ask your doctor or midwife

Breast biopsy - open?

DefinitionA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. Several different types of biopsy may be done. This article discusses open breast biopsy. An open biopsy involves making a small cut in the breast and removing breast tissue.See also:Breast biopsy - stereotacticBreast biopsy - ultrasoundLumpectomyAlternative NamesBiopsy - breast; Open breast biopsyHow the test is performedAn open biopsy is done as an outpatient procedure.The biopsy may remove part or all of the lump or area of interest. If the entire lump or area of interest is removed, this method may also be called a lumpectomy.If the surgeon cannot easily feel the lump or cyst, a breast ultrasound, MRI, or mammogram may be used to find the growth before the biopsy. A needle or wire will be placed in the area during the imaging test. This will be left in to help the surgeon find the growth.The biopsy will be done in an operating room.Usually, you will lie on your back for the procedure. You may receive local anesthesia to make you sleepy, or you may receive general anesthesia.A small surgical cut is made on the skin. The surgeon follows the wire or needle and removes the breast tissue around it.The sample is then sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope. This exam will make sure that the whole growth has been removed. It will take more time to get a final diagnosis.After the tissue sample is taken, the cut is closed with sutures. A dressing and bandage are applied.If you receive general anesthesia, your vital signs (temperature, pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure) will be monitored for at least an hour after the procedure. Your health care provider may prescribe pain medication.How to prepare for the testThe health care provider will ask questions about your medical history and perform a manual breast exam.You must sign an informed consent form. You will need to have some blood tests done before the surgery.If you are going to have anesthesia, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8 - 12 hours before the test.If you take medications (including aspirin or herbal medications), ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking these before the biopsy.Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant before having an open biopsy.Do not wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.How the test will feelAfter the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. If a surgical cut is made, your doctor may prescribe pain medication. Usually, the pain will be mild and easy to control with over-the-counter pain medicines.You will probably go home the day of the procedure.Do not do any heavy lifting for 24 hours after the biopsy. Do not take a shower for the first 24 hours.Why the test is performedA biopsy may be done if your health care provider is concerned about breast cancer because of an abnormal mammogram or breast ultrasound, or a growth that was felt during a physical exam.A biopsy must be done to find out for sure whether you have breast cancer. Cells from the abnormal area are removed and examined under a microscope.Normal ValuesA normal result means there is no sign of cancer.Your doctor or nurse will let you know when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.What abnormal results meanA biopsy may identify breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:AdenofibromaFibrocystic breast diseaseIntraductal papillomaMammary fat necrosisIt may also find precancerous breast conditions, including:Atypical ductal hyperplasiaAtypical lobular hyperplasiaSeveral types of breast cancer may be found on a biopsy:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules, which produce milk.Paget's disease is a rare type of cancer that forms in the nipple area.Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of cancer that makes the skin over the breast look infected.Depending on the biopsy results, you may need more surgery or treatment.What the risks areThere is a slight chance of infection in the biopsy area.Excessive bleeding is rare, but it may need draining or re-bandaging. Bruising is common.You will have a small scar. Depending on the amount of tissue removed and how the breast heals, the appearance of the breast may be affected.ReferencesAbeloff MD, Wolff AC, Weber BL, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008: chap 95.Whitman GJ. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies. Ultrasound Clin. 2006;1:603-615.Kim CH, Bassett LW. Imaging-guided core needle biopsy of the breast. In: Bassett LW, Jackson VP, Fu KL, Fu, YS. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 17.Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/21/2011Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

What happens to a tissue sample during a biopsy?

The sample is examined under a microscope by a doctor who specializes in the effects of disease on body tissues (a pathologist) to detect any abnormalities.