Breast biopsy – clarity from targeted testing
What does a breast biopsy involve?
During a biopsy, the doctor takes a sample of tissue from the affected area of the breast or a lymph node. A specialist pathologist analyses the sample under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
The main biopsy procedures:
- Fine needle aspiration – Fluid is usually extracted using a thin needle.
- Punch biopsy – In most cases, a tissue sample is taken using a small, automated needle under ultrasound guidance.
- Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy – Under ultrasound guidance, a tissue sample is taken using a vacuum needle with a small suction device at its tip.
- Stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy – Under mammography guidance, a tissue sample is taken using a vacuum needle with a small suction device at its tip.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy – This refers to the surgical removal of the sentinel lymph node. This is performed in confirmed cases of breast cancer in order to assess whether cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes.
- Open surgical biopsy of the breast – The sample is taken through an incision under general or local anaesthetic. This will only be considered if no other options are available.
At Affidea brustCare, we offer our patients all of the image-guided biopsies listed above to ensure an accurate and precise diagnosis.
When is a breast biopsy necessary?
A biopsy is usually undertaken when breast imaging indicates possible signs of breast cancer. The aim is to provide certainty as to whether a change is benign, pre-cancerous or breast cancer. These biopsies are generally performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic.
Surgical biopsies, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy in the armpit, are different however. These are often performed when breast cancer is already diagnosed in order to assess whether cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes.
Who covers the costs?
In Switzerland, this is covered by basic insurance. As with other tests and treatments, the excess payable depends on your policy. Should additional costs arise in special cases, your medical team or insurance provider will notify you in advance. If you are unsure, please consult your doctor or health insurance provider.
What to expect before, during and after the biopsy
The overall process varies depending on the type of biopsy. Below, we explain the typical steps involved in a biopsy. The biopsy is performed by a specialist doctor.
Preparing for the biopsy
Some patients may need to adjust their intake of medication, such as blood thinners. Your consultant will inform you if you need to do anything particular to prepare for your procedure.
During the biopsy
A breast biopsy itself only takes a few minutes, though the entire appointment can take up to an hour, depending on the preparation and follow-up time. Your doctor will take the time to explain the procedure to you and discuss the benefits and risks involved. It is important that you feel comfortable and well informed when making decisions about your health.
- You will be asked to remove clothing from your upper body so that the area of the breast from which the sample is to be taken can be cleaned.
- A local anaesthetic is then injected to numb the relevant area of the breast.
- A needle is inserted into the breast and a small tissue sample is taken. You may feel a sensation of pressure, but this is not usually painful.
- Your doctor will remove the needle and apply some pressure to the biopsy site. This counteracts bleeding and bruising.
- After a few minutes, a plaster is applied to the area and the wound is treated.
- Provided you feel well, you can go home after a while (about half an hour).
What is important after the biopsy?
You can usually go home about half an hour after the biopsy. The specialist staff will explain how to care for the wound and what physical activities are possible.
Mild pain or localised bruising may occur. These symptoms usually subside after a few days. If you experience any further symptoms, you can contact the Breast Centre at any time and you will be given an emergency number where you can reach a consultant around the clock.
The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist examines it for cancer cells. Your doctor will discuss the results with you a few days later.
