Brookings Health System
Breast Biopsies
A breast biopsy removes a sample of breast tissue using a needle. The sample is inspected under a microscope to check for breast cancer. A breast biopsy is usually done to check a lump found during a breast examination or a suspicious area found on a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI.
A breast biopsy performed at Brookings Health System will be ordered by your physician. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory specialized in analyzing biopsies. Your physician will help to determine if you need additional surgery or other treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Biopsies at Brookings Health System
A needle breast biopsy involves removing a small sample of breast tissue through a thin, hollow needle. This sample is then sent to a specialized laboratory where it is inspected under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells.
A physician typically orders a biopsy to investigate a physical lump found during an exam or a suspicious area identified on a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI. It is the most definitive way to determine if a breast change is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant.
After the tissue sample is collected at Brookings Health System, it is sent to a specialized lab for analysis. Your physician will receive the findings and contact you to discuss the results and any necessary next steps or treatments.
No. A breast biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to check for cancer. Many biopsies reveal that a lump or suspicious area is benign (non-cancerous). The procedure is simply the most accurate way for your doctor to get a definitive diagnosis.
