Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of
See also:
Breast biopsy - stereotactic Breast biopsy - ultrasound Lumpectomy
Alternative Names
Biopsy - breast; Open breast biopsy
How the test is performed
An open biopsy may remove part (incisional biopsy) or all (excisional biopsy) of the area of interest. If the entire lump or area of interest is removed, this method may also be called a lumpectomy.
If the surgeon cannot easily feel the lump or cyst,
The biopsy will be done in an operating room.
- Usually, you lie on your back for the procedure. You may receive local anesthesia with medicine to make you sleepy or you may receive
general anesthesia . - A surgical cut is made in the skin. The wire and breast tissue around it are removed. Sometimes, testing is done at the time of the procedure, but a final diagnosis takes more time.
- After the tissue sample is taken, the cut is closed with sutures. A dressing and bandage are applied.
If you receive general anesthesia, your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored for at least an hour after the procedure. Your health care provider may prescribe pain medication.
Review Date: 09/10/2009
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
