When You Discover a Lump
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Anatomy of Breast Cancer - Updated: Discovery and Biopsy
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At some point during your life, you may have a lump or change in your breast or have an abnormal area show up on a mammogram. To make sure that it is not cancer, you will have more tests. In many cases, cancer can be ruled out with a diagnostic mammogram or other imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI. However, if cancer can't be ruled out, then you will need to have a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing cells or tissue from the suspicious area and studying them under a microscope.
See the Early Detection and Screening section for more on following up an abnormal mammogram or clinical breast exam.
Even though having a biopsy can be scary, keep in mind that most people who get biopsies don't have breast cancer. About four in five women in the U.S. who have biopsies do not have cancer [1]. Still, a biopsy is critical since it is the only way to learn if something is cancer or not. And if breast cancer is found, most often it can be treated successfully.
There are two main types of biopsies used to diagnose breast cancer: needle biopsies and surgical biopsies. Most often, a needle biopsy is done first. Then, if needed, a surgical biopsy will be done. In a needle biopsy, tissue or cells are removed from the breast with a needle. In a surgical biopsy, a cut (incision) is made in the breast to remove tissue. The pros and cons of each type of biopsy are outlined in Figure 4.1.
Updated 10/26/09
