A surgical biopsy is the most accurate way to diagnose breast cancer. However, it is also the most invasive. Many studies show that core needle biopsy is as accurate as a surgical biopsy in diagnosing cancer. So, core needle biopsy is most often done first.
In most surgical biopsies, the entire suspicious area (plus some nearby normal tissue) is removed from the breast. If the area is too large to remove fully, only part of the area will be taken out. The tissue that is removed is tested for signs of cancer. If cancer is found, other tests can be done to help you and your health care provider plan treatment. (Find out more about these tests.) There are two types of surgical biopsies: excisional biopsy and incisional biopsy.
Updated 10/26/09
