Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is a procedure designed to remove a small amount of breast
tissue from an abnormal finding. The small piece is then evaluated by
a pathologist and a diagnosis is made. Most breast biopsies are benign,
not cancer.
It is normal to feel nervous about having a biopsy performed. In spite
of a woman’s reservations, the results can provide peace of mind
since a breast biopsy is generally the definitive method for determining
the nature of an abnormality.
A breast biopsy is an outpatient procedure performed with a needle, local
anesthesia and generally some form of imaging to guide the needle (most
commonly, ultrasound). Years ago, all breast biopsies were open surgical
procedures performed under general anesthesia in an operating room in
a hospital. That is no longer true. Today, 99% of all biopsies can be
done with a needle in an outpatient setting.
Breast biopsies are performed to evaluate an area of concern that was identified
during a breast screening. All breast biopsy results are explained in
person by a physician with a Hoag breast care nurse navigator in attendance.
The nurse navigator will follow-up within 48-hours after the biopsy procedure
to assess the healing of the biopsy site and provide you with results.
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