Risks associated with breast biopsy

Breast biopsies are widely used in the diagnosis of breast-related problems, especially breast cancer. A breast biopsy is the best way to assess if a lump in the breast or part of the breast is cancerous. However, this method also carries certain risks. Therefore, the choice of biopsy method plays a very important role.

A breast biopsy is a procedure where tissue is removed from the breast, which is then sent to a laboratory and examined under a microscope to find breast cancer. This is considered the most optimal method to help assess whether a lump in the breast or part of the breast is cancerous.
Through a breast biopsy, the doctor will determine whether a lump in the breast is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

There are different ways to take a sample of breast tissue, including:
2.1 Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA) Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA): Using a fine needle to poke the tumor and take out a sample of breast cells or some fluid to check if the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor.

2.2 Needle Core Biopsy (CNB) Needle Core Biopsy (CNB) is a procedure performed by using a hollow needle to collect tissue samples, each the size of a grain of rice.
2.3 Vacuum Biopsy A vacuum biopsy is performed using a probe with a gentle suction to remove a sample of cells from the breast tissue. This method will leave a small scar.
2.4 Open biopsy An open biopsy is a method of removing part or all of a tumor through a small incision in the skin. The tissue will then be studied under a microscope. This is the first step to testing for a tumor in cases where a needle biopsy does not provide enough information to make a diagnosis.
2.5 Core needle biopsy as indicated by the MRI The patient will be placed in the prone position with the chest in a depression on the table. An MRI machine will provide images for the doctor to identify the tumor. The doctor will make a small incision and take the sample with a core needle.
2.6 Set-up Biopsy This type of biopsy uses mammogram images to locate suspicious areas in the breast. These images help guide the specialist to extracting a small sample of tissue, which is then tested for cancer cells in the laboratory.
2.7 Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with vacuum aid under Stereotactic positioning This technique uses a large biopsy needle with a size of 12 G or more, combined with vacuum suction, so it helps to get more specimens. , thereby having a higher chance of success. In addition, this technique is also less invasive than the open biopsy method: The incision site does not require any recovery sutures, no special care, and patients can return to their normal daily lives immediately. tomorrow. In addition, the placement of markers to mark the intervention site is carried out right in the procedure to help manage the lesions after the test results are more favorable.

A breast biopsy is often recommended for those who develop symptoms of breast cancer or find abnormalities on screening tests; imaging studies eg breast ultrasound, mammogram, breast MRI.

3.1 Cases of developing breast cancer symptoms: A breast lump Dimples on the breast Thick breast tissue Changes in the nipple Nipple discharge Rash or sores on the breast Enlarged veins on the breast Breast change in size, shape, and weight Axillary lymphadenopathy 3.2 Abnormal findings on imaging tests Small calcified nodules appear on mammogram A solid lump appears on ultrasound breast An irregular bordered mass on breast MRI

Breast biopsy procedure is relatively simple, but it is not absolutely safe and carries certain risks for the patient. Some possible risks include:
Changes in breast shape, which will depend on the size of the tissue removed Bruising and swelling of the breast Infection or bleeding at the biopsy site Injection site pain Additional surgery or other treatment may be required, depending on the biopsy results If there are abnormalities, accompanied by symptoms such as: Fever, the biopsy site turned red, or where the biopsy is taken... You need to tell your doctor right away if you have any of the above problems.
Therefore, to ensure the safety of patients as well as the quality of treatment services to achieve high efficiency, the selection of a medical address plays a very important role.

Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the very few hospitals in the country that applies the technique of breast biopsy with vacuum-assisted vacuum aspiration under Stereotactic positioning to help get accurate specimens and patient samples. larger than core biopsies, increasing the likelihood of early breast cancer diagnosis. Vinmec Hospital is equipped with a synchronous biopsies system, ensuring high professional quality, early diagnosis of breast cancer since there are no symptoms.