Breast Biopsies

A breast biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small amount of breast tissue is collected and evaluated in a laboratory. It is considered the most reliable way to definitively diagnose or rule out most breast conditions, including cancer.

Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute and Breast Cancer Center offer efficient and accurate breast biopsies as well as full-scope care for breast cancer and other breast conditions. Thanks to our patient-first approach and cutting-edge research and technology, TGH has been designated as a ‘high performing’ Cancer care hospital by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-23, which means we are among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation.

Why Are Breast Biopsies Performed?  

Breast biopsies are often performed to check a breast lump or suspicious area of tissue for cancer. While growths in breast tissue are common and typically aren’t cancerous, an imaging procedure, biopsy or both are necessary to rule out cancer. A breast biopsy may be warranted if:

  • You or your doctor feels a lump in the breast
  • A mammogram, ultrasound or MRI reveals a suspicious finding
  • You experience changes to the nipple or areola, such crusting, scaling, bloody discharge or dimpled skin

What Can a Breast Biopsy Diagnose?  

Breast irregularities that can be diagnosed through a breast biopsy include:

  • Breast cancer
  • Microcalcifications
  • Fluid-filled cysts
  • Abscesses
  • Fibroadenomas
  • Hematomas
  • Galactocele cysts
  • Sclerosing adenosis

Types of Breast Biopsies  

The details of a breast biopsy will vary according to what type of procedure is performed. There are multiple approaches to breast biopsy, including:

  • Fine needle biopsy – The simplest type of breast biopsy, a fine needle biopsy is used to collect tissue from a lump that can be easily felt during a breast exam. A breast cancer doctor uses a needle that’s attached to a syringe to attempt to collect a sample from the lump, which can quickly reveal if the lump is fluid-filled or solid. For solid masses, a more invasive type of biopsy may be necessary to collect an adequate sample.
  • Core needle biopsy – A core needle biopsy involves drawing out very small pieces of suspicious tissue using a thin needle, often using ultrasound as a guide. This type of biopsy is used to evaluate suspicious lumps that are detected with a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical breast exam.
  • Stereotactic biopsy – Stereotactic biopsy incorporates mammography to precisely locate a breast abnormality. A small amount of tissue or cells from this area is then removed—sometimes from multiple angles—using a vacuum-assisted device or another minimally invasive technique.
  • Ultrasound-guided biopsy – During an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, high-frequency sound waves are used to identify the abnormal lump or tissue. A needle aspiration or another minimally invasive technique is then used to draw out a small amount of tissue or cells for testing.
  • MRI-guided biopsy – Similar to an ultrasound-guided biopsy, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided breast biopsy incorporates imaging technology to pinpoint the location of the abnormality. This allows for minimally invasive techniques to be used, including needle aspirations and vacuum-assisted devices.
  • Surgical biopsy – A surgical breast biopsy involves removing an entire mass (called an excisional biopsy) or a portion of the mass (called an incisional biopsy) for testing, rather than drawing out small cell or tissue samples.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) – SLNB is most commonly used to stage breast cancer, as breast cancer cells are most likely to spread first to sentinel nodes, which are located near the armpit. In this procedure, a radioactive substance or dye is injected near a tumor in the breast to locate the sentinel lymph nodes. Then a breast cancer surgeon will make a small incision and remove the lymph node so it can be sent to a pathologist and checked for the presence of cancer cells.

What Should I Expect During a Breast Biopsy?  

Your experience will depend on what type of breast biopsy you receive. Generally speaking, though, most breast biopsies:

  • Are outpatient procedures
  • Leave minimal or no scarring
  • Use local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize discomfort (surgical biopsies may require general anesthesia)
  • Provide conclusive results

    H2: Risks of a Breast Biopsy 

    General risks associated with breast biopsies include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Changes in breast appearance, especially if a large amount of tissue is removed
  • Infection

While the chances of infection from a breast biopsy are low, contact your physician right away if you develop a fever or if the biopsy site becomes red, warm or produces unusual drainage.

Become a TGH Patient 

To ensure accurate diagnoses and world-class outcomes, the breast health experts at Tampa General Hospital provide breast biopsies and imaging procedures in a state-of-the-art setting. Contact TGH at (800) 844-4554 for appointment scheduling, physician referrals and to learn more about our breast biopsy services.