Biopsies

Biopsies can determine if breast tissue is malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). The following are types of biopsies.

• Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is a method for obtaining breast tissue samples. It allows the radiologist to see the location of the breast abnormality to take tissue samples using a needle. 
• Stereotactic needle core breast biopsy is a method used for obtaining tissue samples of the breast. It allows the radiologist to pinpoint the location of the breast abnormality in three dimensions and take tissue samples using a needle.
• Ductography sometimes is used to determine the cause of nipple discharge. A thin plastic tube is inserted into the opening of the duct at the nipple. A small amount of contrast medium is injected, which helps the duct show up on an X-ray. This can help determine if there is a mass inside the duct.

Lymph node biopsy

A lymph node biopsy is conducted only if you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, to determine if the cancer has spread. The procedure is performed at the same time as your scheduled breast cancer surgery.

Breast cancer first spreads to the lymph nodes under the arm. For this reason, all women who have an invasive type of breast cancer should consider having their lymph nodes examined. This helps your doctor determine what type of additional treatment you will need.

• The sentinel node is the first lymph node to which cancer is likely to spread (more than one sentinel node may exist). Studies have found that if the sentinel node does not contain cancer cells, the remaining lymph nodes are not likely to contain cancer cells, and do not need to be removed for evaluation. This can reduce the risk of side effects of the procedure. If the sentinel node does contain cancer cells or if your surgeon is unable to find the sentinel node, your surgeon may remove additional lymph nodes under your arm.
• A traditional lymph node biopsy involves the surgical removal of 10 to 20 lymph nodes. Because this procedure can have side effects, a new procedure is often used in which only the sentinel nodes are removed.

For more information, call Jane Brattain Breast Center at 952-993-3700.