Biopsy - breast; Open breast biopsy

A normal result means there is no sign of cancer.

Your doctor or nurse will let you know when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.

Biopsy may identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:

• Adenofibroma
• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Intraductal papilloma
• Mammary fat necrosis

Biopsy results may show the following precancerous breast conditions:

• Atypical ductal hyperplasia
• Atypical lobular hyperplasia

Two main types of breast cancer may be found:

• Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
• Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules, which produce milk.

Depending on the biopsy results, you may need further surgery or treatment.

Images

Needle biopsy of the breast

Female breast biopsy

Open biopsy of the breast

Female breast

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Breast biopsy Overview

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Breast biopsy Risks

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)