Breast Specialists need to take investigation samples in women with a breast lump - particularly if the lump appears worrying or suspicious on clinical examination or when mammogram or breast ultrasound examination raises concerns.

A breast biopsy is the term used to describe the taking of a sample from the breast.

Two types of breast cancer biopsy sample are commonly used. Some women have one or the other type of breast biopsy sample performed - other women may have both - with one leading directly to the other.

Breast Biopsy - Fine Needle Aspirate
This is probably the commonest investigation for breast cancer biopsy technique.
It can be performed in the clinic by an experienced doctor and the results can be analysed more or less on the spot in many breast clinics.

The test involves inserting a small needle with a syringe attached into the area of the breast or the breast lump that is causing concern. A small amount of fluid from that area of the breast is sucked back into the syringe - and the liquid obtained is sent to be studied under the microscope.

The doctor may sometimes use an ultrasound scan to guide the needle to the affected area of the breast - or, if the lump is easy to feel, may simply go by his or her sense of touch and experience to guide the needle to the spot.

Results of breast cancer fine needle aspirate are usually available within a very short time and can either be used to reassure the woman or as the basis for more detailed investigation.

You can read more about the technique for breast fine needle aspirate by following this link.

Breast Cancer Core Biopsy Sample
Core biopsy involves taking a larger sample of the breast tissue than fine needle aspirate. This allows more information to be obtained when the sample is analysed in the laboratory. The procedure is normally performed when the breast specialist doctor has serious grounds for concern about possible breast cancer.

A core biopsy is performed with a large hollow needle. The breast is numbed by an injection of local anesthetic and the large biopsy needle is guided into place using an ultrasound scanner or by using x-rays in a mammogram.

Many women find breast core biopsy to be at best an uncomfortable procedure - and in some cases it can be really quite painful.

You can read about Marjory's experience of a breast cancer biopsy sample or get more information about the technique of breast cancer core biopsy by following this link.

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