In some cases, biopsies can miss breast cancer. With needle biopsies, this can happen if the needle takes a tissue or cell sample from the wrong area. And, even if samples are taken from the correct area, an inexperienced pathologist can misdiagnose cells or tissue as benign when they are in fact cancerous (or vice versa). With surgical biopsies, it is less likely that a cancer will be missed, but this can still happen if the wrong area of tissue is removed. The use of needle/wire localization procedures, follow-up mammograms and X-rays of tissue samples help limit this problem.
Seeking a second opinion
- You should feel comfortable seeking a second opinion before having a biopsy and after the biopsy, when the results are discussed.
- Most health plans will allow you to seek a second opinion, as long as the second health care provider is a member of your health plan.
Updated 10/26/09
