BREAST BIOPSY: PROCEDURE, SIGNS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

In Vietnam, breast cancer is the most dangerous cancer in women. According to GLOBOCAN, each year our country records about 21,555 new cases of breast cancer, accounting for 25.8% of all cancers in women. Breast biopsy is a method of diagnosing breast cancer that doctors recommend when detecting abnormal symptoms and signs. So what is a breast biopsy? What are the signs that a breast biopsy is needed? How does the process work? Let’s find out with TKT Research through the article below!

1. What is a breast biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from the breast. This sample is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells or other abnormalities are present.

A breast biopsy is an important part of diagnosing breast cancer and other breast-related conditions. This procedure helps your doctor determine if cancer cells or other problems are present in your breast.

2. What are the benefits of early breast biopsy?

Early breast biopsy has many benefits, especially in detecting and treating breast problems early. Here are some of the main benefits:

– Early detection of breast cancer: Breast biopsy helps determine the presence of cancer cells at an early stage, even when the tumor is still small and has not spread. Early detection of breast cancer increases the chance of successful treatment and reduces the risk of death.

– Reduce the risk of developing cancer: If detected and treated early, the chance of preventing cancer or treating it successfully will be higher.

– Helps diagnose the disease accurately: When the results are available, the doctor can clearly determine whether the tumor is cancerous or benign (not harmful). This helps the doctor plan appropriate and early treatment.

– Provide timely treatment options: Early biopsy helps make the right treatment decisions, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other treatments. This helps stop the development of the disease and increases the chance of a cure.

– Increase the success rate of treatment: With early detection of breast cancer, the chance of successful treatment and prolonging the patient’s life is significantly increased.

– Help monitor changes in breast tissue: For those with a family history of breast cancer or high risk factors, early breast biopsy can help monitor changes in breast tissue, thereby making appropriate preventive decisions.

– Reduce the risk of metastasis: When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the possibility of the disease metastasizing (spreading to other parts of the body) will be lower. This helps the patient have a chance to live longer.

3. What signs should I look out for when performing a breast biopsy?

When there are unusual signs in the breast, you need to pay attention and consider performing a breast biopsy to clearly determine your health condition. Here are the signs to pay attention to:

– Feeling a lump or hard lump in the breast: If you feel a lump or hard lump in the breast that cannot be moved or the feeling changes with the menstrual cycle, it may be a sign of a problem that needs to be checked.

– Changes in breast shape or size: If either breast has a change in size, shape, or is dimpled, this may be a sign of the development of a tumor in the breast.

– Unexplained breast pain or discomfort: Breast pain can be a sign of many different causes, but if the pain does not subside or persists, or there is a persistent pain in a specific area, you should consult a doctor.

– Unusual discharge from the nipple: If there is discharge from the nipple, especially for no apparent reason such as breastfeeding, or if the discharge is an unusual color (red, brown or yellow), this could be a sign of a medical condition that needs to be checked.

– Swelling or inflammation of the breast: If there is swelling, redness or inflammation in the breast area, especially if there is no obvious injury, this could be a sign of infection or a more serious problem.

– Changes in the color or puckering of the breast skin: If the skin of the breast changes, such as dimpling, thickening or an “orange peel” appearance (skin surface resembling orange peel), this could be a sign of breast cancer.

4. Modern breast biopsy procedures and methods.

A breast biopsy procedure usually includes the following steps:

1. Examination and consultation:

Before performing a biopsy, your doctor will examine your breast and evaluate clinical signs or the results of imaging tests such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. Your doctor will discuss your health condition with you, explain the procedure, and choose the appropriate biopsy method.
Your doctor will then explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. You will be asked about your medical history, risk factors that may affect the results, and may be asked to stop taking certain medications before the biopsy to reduce the risk of bleeding.

2. Preparing for the Procedure:

• • Position: Depending on the location of the tumor and the biopsy method, you may be required to lie on your back or side.
  • Locate the tumor: If the tumor is deep in the breast or difficult to reach, your doctor will use imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI to locate the exact area where the sample will be taken.
  • Anesthesia: Before performing the biopsy, your doctor will numb the area of ​​the breast to be biopsied so that you do not feel pain during the procedure. Anesthetic may be injected into the skin around the area where the sample will be taken.

3. Performing a biopsy

Depending on the biopsy method, the procedure may vary:

• • Fine needle biopsy (FNA): A small needle will be inserted into the tumor or suspicious area to take a sample of cells. This is a minimally invasive biopsy method, used to take a sample of cells from a tumor or suspicious area in the body, including breast tissue. This is a quick and simple technique, helping the doctor determine whether the cells in that area are abnormal or not. Currently, many products supporting the fine needle biopsy procedure have been born to make the biopsy procedure easier, making the patient and the doctor more comfortable.
  • Core needle biopsy: The doctor will use a special needle with a larger diameter to take a sample of breast tissue. The needle will be inserted into the breast at the suspicious location and the tissue will be removed. This method can be performed under ultrasound or mammogram guidance.
  • Vacuum aspiration biopsy: Uses a suction device to remove a tissue sample from the lump.
  • Surgical biopsy: This is done when needle biopsies cannot obtain enough tissue or the lump needs to be completely removed for examination. The doctor will make a small incision in the breast and remove part or all of the lump.

4. Tissue Sample Examination

After the tissue sample is removed, it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The tissue sample will be examined under a microscope to determine if there are cancer cells or other problems (such as infection, benign tumors).

5. Results and Follow-Up

• • Biopsy results usually take a few days to a week to get back. Your doctor will contact you with the results and advise you on next steps.
  • If breast cancer is present, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other treatments.
    If the tissue sample is benign, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring and testing without treatment.

6. Post-Biopsy Care

• • After the biopsy, you may experience some pain, swelling, or bruising in the area of ​​the breast where the sample was taken. If the condition is more severe, you may experience problems such as infection or bleeding in the area of ​​the breast that was biopsied. To minimize and prevent these problems, you should follow your doctor’s instructions and take good care of yourself after the biopsy.
  • Avoid applying pressure or rubbing the biopsy area for a few days after the procedure.
  • Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your recovery is going smoothly.

5. Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Biopsy.

1. What do I need to prepare before a breast biopsy?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications before the biopsy to reduce the risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.

2. Is a breast biopsy painful?

A breast biopsy is usually not very painful, as your doctor will numb the breast area before performing the procedure. You may feel some pressure or discomfort when the needle is inserted, but no severe pain. After the procedure, you may feel mild pain or swelling in the biopsy area for a few days.

3. How long does a breast biopsy take?

A breast biopsy usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the method used (needle biopsy or surgical biopsy). The procedure is quick, and you can go home right after it is done.

4. How long will it take to get the results of a breast biopsy?

Breast biopsy results usually take about 3 to 7 days. However, the turnaround time may vary depending on the lab and the type of biopsy sample taken. Your doctor will contact you with the results and discuss next steps.

5. What should I do if the biopsy shows cancer?

If the biopsy shows breast cancer, your doctor will discuss your treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments. Detecting breast cancer at an early stage gives you a better chance of effective treatment, so you’ll be advised on the best approach based on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.

6. Do I need to avoid anything after the biopsy?

You may need to avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days after the biopsy to ensure proper healing. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to care for the biopsy site.

7. Will a breast biopsy affect your ability to get pregnant or breastfeed?

Patients may be concerned about whether a breast biopsy will affect their ability to get pregnant or breastfeed in the future, especially if the biopsy involves surgery or removal of breast tissue. Your doctor can advise you on how to protect your reproductive health and what precautions you should take if necessary.

8. Will a breast biopsy leave a scar?

A breast biopsy can leave a small scar, but with core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration, the scar is usually very faint and insignificant. If you have a surgical biopsy (surgical removal of a tumor), the scar may be more visible, but your doctor will try to make the incision as small and unnoticeable as possible.

TKT Research is one of the pioneers in the field of invention and production of medical equipment. TKT’s FNA – Fineas biopsy gun product is designed to make the biopsy process easier, especially in breast biopsy. This innovation is a contribution to bringing comfort to both patients and accuracy to doctors during the sampling process. The product is officially distributed by Huynh Gia Group and has received many positive reviews from medical experts.

Breast biopsyis a safe and accurate medical procedure that helps women detect breast health problems early, so that they can be treated promptly. Paying attention to unusual signs on the body is very important, so women should always pay attention and take care of their health to prevent and protect their health in the best way. Early detection will bring about effective treatment opportunities, protect women’s health and long life.