Understanding Breast Biopsy: Purpose and main types

Breast biopsy is a crucial medical procedure aimed at diagnosing abnormalities in breast tissue. It is often performed when there are concerns about changes detected through a physical exam, mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI. Understanding what a breast biopsy, why it is conducted, and the different types available can help demystify this important diagnostic tool.

 

What is a Breast Biopsy?

A breast biopsy involves removing a small sample of breast tissue for examination under a microscope. This procedure is essential for determining whether a suspicious area in the breast is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Unlike imaging tests, a biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis by allowing pathologists to study the cellular makeup of the tissue.

 

Why Perform a Breast Biopsy?

Your doctor may recommend a breast biopsy if:

1. **Suspicious Imaging Results**: If a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI reveals an area of concern such as a lump, mass, or calcifications.

2. **Physical Exam Findings**: If a lump or thickening is detected during a physical examination, especially if it feels different from the rest of the breast tissue.

3. **Nipple Changes**: Unexplained changes in the nipple, such as inversion, discharge, or skin changes.

 

Common Types of Breast Biopsy

Several types of breast biopsy are performed based on the nature and location of the abnormality:

1. **Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy**: This is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin, hollow needle is used to withdraw a small amount of tissue or fluid from a suspicious area. FNA is often used to evaluate cysts or lumps that are easily felt.

2. **Core Needle Biopsy (CNB)**: A larger, hollow needle is used in this procedure to remove small cylinders of tissue (cores) from the suspicious area. CNB provides more tissue than FNA, which can result in a more accurate diagnosis. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and guided by imaging techniques.

3. **Stereotactic Biopsy**: This type of biopsy uses mammographic imaging to guide the needle to the precise location of the abnormality. It is often used when the area of concern is visible on a mammogram but not palpable.

4. **Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy**: In this procedure, ultrasound imaging helps guide the needle to the area of concern. It is particularly useful for lumps or abnormalities that are visible on ultrasound but not on mammograms.

5. **MRI-Guided Biopsy**: When an abnormality is best seen on an MRI, this technique is employed. It involves using magnetic resonance imaging to guide the biopsy needle to the exact location.

6. **Surgical (Open) Biopsy**: This is a more invasive procedure where a surgeon removes part or all of a lump through an incision in the breast. It is generally reserved for situations where needle biopsies are inconclusive or when the entire lump needs to be removed.

 

Shanghai Teamstand Corporation: Providing Quality Biopsy Needles

Shanghai Teamstand Corporation is a leading manufacturer and wholesale supplier of medical consumables, specializing in biopsy needles. Our product range includes both automatic and semi-automatic biopsy needles, designed to meet the diverse needs of medical professionals and ensure precise and efficient tissue sampling.

Our automatic biopsy needles are engineered for ease of use and reliability, providing consistent performance for both core needle and fine-needle aspiration biopsies. These needles are ideal for procedures requiring quick, repeatable results with minimal discomfort to the patient.

For situations where manual control is preferred, our semi-automatic biopsy needles offer flexibility and precision, ensuring that medical practitioners can obtain the necessary tissue samples with confidence. These needles are suitable for a variety of biopsy types, including ultrasound-guided and stereotactic procedures.

In conclusion, breast biopsy is a vital procedure for the diagnosis of breast abnormalities, helping to distinguish between benign and malignant conditions. With advancements in biopsy techniques and tools, such as those provided by Shanghai Teamstand Corporation, the process has become more efficient and less invasive, ensuring better patient outcomes and more accurate diagnoses.