Core Biopsy Sample

Marjory underwent core biopsy sample taking from her breast on our first visit to the hospital.

Other sites have more information about whats involved in breast core biopsy

In our case only one of the tumours was large enough to be felt - the others were all tiny and were only picked up on detailed ultrasound scan. Even mammograms did not show them (although this seems not to be uncommon in a woman as young as Marjory)

The radiologist doctor who did the ultrasound used the pictures on the screen to first of all inject local anesthetic around the three suspicious areas. She then used the screen pictures to guide a large hollow needle down into these lumps. Three samples were taken from each - the hollow needle taking a “core” from the suspicious area in the same way that a geologist takes a core sample from deep in the layers of the earth.

The science is all very well but - for Marjory - the process was both painful and frightening.

Still - we needed to know - and this kind of testing is more accurate and the results can be more detailed than those available from the easier FNA test or fine needle aspirate.