Whether a mass is found through an exam or a diagnostic test such as a mammogram, it is not possible to know if it is cancerous (malignant) unless it is biopsied. Biopsies are either done through a needle or during a surgical procedure called a lumpectomy. The tissue taken from the breast is then sent to a pathologist to be examined for cancer cells.
Definition
In a needle biopsy, a fine (thin) needle or core (larger) needle is used to remove tissue samples from the breast. A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure where a mass is taken out for biopsy. The term lumpectomy is also used to describe the surgery of choice instead of a mastectomy (full removal of the breast) when cancer is found. In the case of a lumpectomy for a cancer patient, the mass and the tissue around it are usually removed.
Needle Biopsy Procedure
A needle biopsy can be done in a doctor's office, radiology center or hospital. The doctor uses local anesthesia to numb the area of the breast before inserting a needle. If the lump is fluid filled (a benign cyst), it can usually be drained. If the lump is solid, a stereotactic needle biopsy is usually done. Stereotactic needle biopsies use radiologic equipment like a mammogram, MRI or ultrasound to guide the doctor in removing several samples with a needle.
Surgical Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is done in an operating room by a surgeon. A surgeon will sometimes choose to have the area marked with a wire by a radiologist prior to the surgery. You are usually given general anesthesia so you remain asleep. An incision is made into the breast. The entire lump is then removed for testing, unless it is very large; then the surgeon may choose to remove a portion of the mass and wait for the biopsy result before deciding whether to remove the rest.
Post-Procedure
Both a needle biopsy and a lumpectomy are done on an outpatient basis, and the patient goes home the same day. You may leave soon after a needle biopsy, and it is suggested that someone drive you home. After a lumpectomy, you usually remain in the recovery room for an hour or so until fully awakened from the anesthesia. Since you may still be groggy, you will need someone to drive you home.
Recovery
A needle biopsy may just leave you with a little soreness. There are usually no restrictions placed on activity. After a lumpectomy with general anesthesia, you will not be able to drive and may feel drowsiness for 24 hours after the procedure. Mild pain may continue for a few days after a lumpectomy depending on the size of the incision and the mass.
Considerations
There is less risk of infection or complications with a needle biopsy compared to a lumpectomy, but needle biopsies are not always an option. Sometimes the mass is not defined enough to be checked through a needle biopsy. Another consideration is the fact that results from a lumpectomy are more conclusive; the pathologist can check the cells of the lump rather than samples taken from it.
Tags: needle biopsy, After lumpectomy, drive home, general anesthesia, lumpectomy done, needle biopsies
