When you’re OBGYN tells you that you need to undergo a breast biopsy procedure, you might start to feel panic or anxiety. But there is really nothing to worry about. According to a leading
breast biopsy center of Los Angeles, this is a relatively simple procedure, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer.
Receiving a biopsy is actually the best thing you can do to rule out breast cancer altogether or catch it at the earliest point possible. Wanting to know more about undergoing a breast biopsy? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers from a top-rated biopsy center in Los Angeles, California.
FAQ #1: What is a Breast Biopsy?
Answering this commonly asked question is a great starting point. To put things simply, a breast biopsy involves removing breast tissues (or fluids) from the area so that it can be examined further. These tissues will be sent to the lab for testing to see if there are any abnormalities or cancerous/precancerous cells.
In American women, only about 20% of breast biopsies turn out to be cancerous since early detection is common. In other countries, however, a higher percentage of biopsies result in cancerous cells since early detection is much less common.
FAQ #2: What are the Different Types of Breast Biopsies?
There are three main types of biopsies: fine-needle aspiration, core-needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy. Of these three, the least common and least invasive is fine-needle aspiration. This involves using a very thin needle and syringe to extract tissue or fluid from the area that the doctor has deemed suspicious. This isn’t as common since it is not 100% effective in detecting cancer cells and does not always result in a clear diagnosis.
A core-needle biopsy is more invasive but also more successful at detecting cancerous cells, if there are any. This one uses a larger needle that is hollow on the inside to remove breast tissue. You’ll receive local anesthesia to the area so that you are completely numb before the procedure begins.
A surgical biopsy is the most invasive. Before this is an option, most breast cancer specialists will first try a fine-needle aspiration or core-needle biopsy. With this procedure, a small incision is made and the surgeon will extract part of the lump in addition to some normal cells. Afterwards you’ll need stitches to close the incision.
FAQ #3: What Additional Services are Offered by Breast Biopsy Centers?
Breast centers won’t just offer biopsy procedures. Most of these centers specialize in everything surrounding breast cancer. In most cases you can visit the same center for a biopsy as you would for a mammogram, a mastectomy, or radiation therapy. The top breast biopsy centers will have a full team of professionals on their side, some that specialize in surgical procedures and some that are trained in other treatment methods.
Most biopsy centers offer these services, treatments, and procedures: anti-hormone therapy, breast reconstruction, breast biopsies (in all 3 forms), radiation therapy, gynecomastia surgery, lumpectomies, and mastectomies.
