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Breast biopsy

A breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a sample of tissue from the breast. Doctors use this examination method to determine the nature of the pathological process.

Breast biopsy is a mandatory diagnostic procedure in oncology. With its help, it is possible to exclude or confirm breast cancer. In addition to determining the nature of the tumor (benign or malignant), a biopsy allows oncologists to select the correct and effective treatment.

Breast biopsy

What diseases are prescribed

How is the procedure carried out

Types of breast biopsy

  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy

The most gentle biopsy option. A fine-needle biopsy does not cause severe pain, but if the patient wishes, local anesthesia can be given to numb the chest. To collect tissue or liquid, a hollow needle with a diameter of 0.7-1.1 mm is required. The doctor makes several punctures into the tumor from different sides to get as many samples as possible. The procedure is carried out under ultrasound or mammography control.

Doctors prescribe fine-needle aspiration biopsy mostly for breast cysts. Cysts are benign growths that form from the milk ducts and are filled with fluid.

  • Needle biopsy

After local anesthesia of the breast, the doctor uses a hollow needle with a diameter of 1.5 mm to take from 3 to 6 fragments of tissue from different areas of the altered breast. Next, the doctor conducts a histological and cytological examination of the samples taken.

A puncture biopsy is also carried out under the guidance of ultrasound or mammography.

  • Trephine biopsy

The doctor uses a special instrument called a trephine, which acts like a drill. Using a trephine, the specialist takes a whole “column” of breast tissue.

Material for research is collected in 2-3 places.

Trephine biopsy is performed under local anesthesia and under ultrasound guidance or specialized stereotactic mammography.

  • Vacuum biopsy

Vacuum breast biopsy is an innovative therapeutic and diagnostic procedure. Unlike other types of biopsies, where the skin is punctured several times to remove material, with a vacuum biopsy the doctor uses a special probe that must be inserted once.

For diagnosis, the doctor takes from 20 to 40 tissue samples, which increases the reliability of the diagnosis. Using a vacuum biopsy, multiple tumors can be removed through a small incision.

Vacuum biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure takes 30-40 minutes and leaves no cosmetic defects.

  • Surgical (open) biopsy

If the above tissue sampling methods fail to obtain clear results, an open biopsy must be performed.

An open biopsy means surgical removal of tissue through a small incision in the skin. First, the doctor marks suspicious areas of the breast using mammography or ultrasound. Then the surgeon removes these areas and then the specialist conducts a morphological and immunohistochemical study.

Surgical biopsy is performed under local anesthesia.

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    Doctors performing breast biopsy

    The cost of the procedure in clinics

    The cost of a breast biopsy depends on the country and clinic where the procedure will be performed, as well as on the type of biopsy.

    Breast biopsy price:

    • Turkey – from $1,200;
    • Germany – from $1,215;
    • Israel – from $1,300.

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    Risks and side effects

    Breast biopsy has no side effects.

    Possible risks of breast biopsy include short-term bleeding, redness, swelling, and bruising. These complications resolve within 2-3 days. There is a possibility of scar formation in the puncture area.

    As with any procedure, there is a risk of bacteria entering the puncture sites, which can cause wound infections or delayed wound healing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is a breast biopsy necessary?

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    Oncologists perform a breast biopsy if a cancerous process is suspected.

    The doctor refers the patient for a biopsy if there are suspicious lesions such as tumors, cysts, calcifications, etc. on ultrasound, mammography or MRI/CT.

    The purpose of a biopsy is to exclude or confirm malignant breast pathology.

    What are the best clinics for breast biopsy?

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    1. Medipol University Hospital is a multidisciplinary hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. Diagnosis of diseases in Medipol is carried out according to the highest JCI standards. The clinic is equipped with the latest equipment, which guarantees accurate and fast diagnosis.
    2. Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch is a German clinic that is part of the Helios medical concerns. The hospital employs highly qualified doctors who diagnose and treat diseases using the latest treatment methods.
    3. Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Clinic) is one of the leading clinics in Israel. The most modern methods are available for diagnosing various diseases in Ichilov.

    Breast biopsy - is it a painful procedure or not?

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    Various biopsy methods are low-impact procedures that are performed under anesthesia and do not cause pain.

    Is special preparation needed before a breast biopsy?

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    No. A breast biopsy does not require any special preparation. Women are advised to have a biopsy on days 7-14 of their menstrual cycle. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. After its completion, patients feel well and can go about their usual daily activities.

    What is the difference between trephine biopsy and fine needle biopsy of the breast?

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    During a fine needle biopsy, the doctor removes several pieces of tissue through a thin needle. During a trephine biopsy, not a small piece of tissue is removed, but an entire column.

    Trephine biopsy is considered a more informative method, since a larger piece of tissue is studied. The diagnostic value of trephine biopsy is almost comparable to an open biopsy.

    Published:

    Updated:

    Ilona Baidiuk
    Medical author:
    Olena Kursabaieva
    Medical author, Medical editor:

    Information on this webpage verified by the medical expert

    Kateryna Maliarchuk
    Medical Doctor, oncologist, PHD student

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