Different Types of Breast Biopsy Procedures

Fine-needle aspiration uses a thin needle to remove cells or fluid, often from a cyst or a nearby lump. Core needle biopsy removes small cylinders of tissue and is commonly guided by ultrasound, mammography, or another imaging method. Vacuum-assisted biopsy uses suction through a needle to collect several tissue samples through one small opening.

Surgical excision removes part or all of a palpable area and may be considered when a needle sample is not suitable, does not answer the clinical question, or a larger specimen is needed. A biopsy result can be benign, atypical, or cancerous; it must be interpreted alongside examination and imaging.

Tell the team about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, pregnancy, and previous reactions to local anaesthetic. Wear a supportive bra if advised and expect temporary tenderness, bruising, or swelling. Keep the dressing clean and follow the written instructions about bathing, exercise, and pain relief. Ask when and how the pathology result will be shared.

Contact the biopsy team for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, increasing redness or warmth, pus, fever, worsening swelling, or pain that is not controlled by the recommended medicine. Seek urgent help for severe allergic symptoms, fainting, or rapidly expanding swelling. A new breast change still needs assessment even when an earlier sample was reassuring.

Ask why a particular biopsy is recommended, which imaging will guide it, what anaesthetic and dressing will be used, and whether a marker will be placed. Ask what happens if the result does not match the imaging or examination findings.