If a physician detects tumors in a woman's breast, he will order a biopsy to test malignancy. A malignant tumor is cancerous. Even if the tumor is benign, health concerns may arise, so the doctor will want to have it removed. Before the decision is made, the physician orders a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that take cells from the tumor, and the physician is able to view them under the microscope for any malformations.
Needle Aspiration
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a procedure in which the doctor removes cells directly from the tumor using a small needle. The doctor may not use anesthetics because the needle is usually smaller than the anesthetic needle. This makes injecting anesthesia more painful than the biopsy itself.
Core Needle
A core needle biopsy (CNB) uses a larger needle than the FNAB procedure. Because this needle is larger and needs to be inserted several times into the tumor, the doctor will use anesthetics. This procedure takes longer, but more accurate results are delivered.
Stereotactic
Stereotactic core needle biopsies are performed using an X-ray machine. Unlike the CNB and FNAB procedures, stereotactic methods are more accurate by using an X-ray machine and computer to guide the needle. This method is used most often for biopsies of calcium deposits.
Vacuum-Assisted
A vacuum-assisted biopsy (VACB) is a type of procedure in which cells are retrieved using a suctioning method. Anesthetics are used since the area of tumor-cell removal is cut. The vacuum tube is then placed in the cut and into the tumor for cell removal.
MRI Guidance
MRI guidance procedures are similar to stereotactic methods. The MRI machine maps out the location of the tumor for the doctor to follow when placing the needle in the body. This is beneficial for women who need biopsies done in areas that can only be seen by an MRI machine.
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