How Is a Breast Biopsy Performed?
Aug 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Breast biopsy involves the complete excision of an external breast mass followed by pathological examination. It is performed under local anesthesia. Patients are typically advised to undergo the procedure either as an outpatient or during hospitalization. In outpatient settings, the breast mass is usually excised under local anesthesia and then sent for pathological examination. For hospitalized patients, intraoperative frozen-section analysis may be scheduled—meaning the excised breast mass is immediately sent for pathological examination following resection.
During routine breast examinations, many women are found to have breast abnormalities. When the nature of the lesion cannot be definitively determined, a breast biopsy may be required. So, how is a breast biopsy performed?
How Is a Breast Biopsy Performed?
A breast biopsy involves the complete surgical excision of an external breast mass followed by pathological examination. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is typically conducted either on an outpatient basis or during hospitalization. For outpatient procedures, the breast mass is usually excised under local anesthesia and then sent for histopathological analysis. For inpatients, intraoperative frozen-section analysis can be scheduled—meaning the excised breast tissue is immediately sent for pathological evaluation upon removal. Results are typically available within approximately 30 minutes, enabling rapid differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. If the lesion is benign, the wound is sutured and the patient may be discharged. If malignancy is confirmed, immediate modified radical mastectomy is performed.
Following confirmation of malignancy via biopsy, patients require systemic adjuvant therapy—such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy—after surgical resection of the lesion. These treatments help eliminate residual tumor tissue and malignant cells.
Breast biopsy is primarily indicated when there is clinical suspicion that a breast nodule or hyperplasia may undergo malignant transformation. Because this procedure is invasive and causes tissue trauma, post-procedural rehabilitation is essential. We hope this information has been helpful to you!
