Breast Biopsy: Why Ask for a Minimally Invasive Biopsy

We teach you about image guided, minimally invasive breast biopsies. Make sure to ask your physician to call you with the results and get a copy of your pathology report.
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Questions for your Breast Surgeon or Radiologist:
1. What is the best type of biopsy for me?
2. Can I avoid an open surgical breast biopsy?
3. Can we avoid surgery if my needle biopsy does not show cancer?
4. Will you personally call me with my biopsy results?
5. May I have a copy of my “Pathology Report?”
What is a breast biopsy?
When a concerning mass or lump is identified in the breast, a biopsy is needed to determine the cause of the mass. A biopsy is a procedure to sample the concerning mass. A pathologist then evaluates the biopsy sample under a microscope to determine if any cancer or precancerous cells are present. Most biopsies are performed with a “core needle device” under local anesthesia (so called “minimally invasive breast biopsy”). Some are performed in the operating room through an incision under general anesthesia (open surgical biopsy). Nearly 80% of all breast biopsies will not be cancerous.
Why is a “Needle Biopsy” better?
Most biopsies can be accurately performed by guiding a small sampling needle into the concerning area using local anesthesia. This is best performed with imaging (Ultrasound/Mammography/MRI) to make sure the correct area is biopsied. Minimally invasive needle breast biopsies are considered “The Standard of Care.” An image-guided breast biopsy is not feasible in about 5 to 10% of breast abnormalities. A surgical biopsy should be used only as a last resort. Always insist upon a minimally invasive needle biopsy. If it is not offered, make sure it is clearly explained to you why a surgical procedure is recommended by your breast surgeon.
This minimally invasive approach to suspicious breast lesions has become commonplace over the last 10 - 15 years. There are numerous advantages associated with being diagnosed by a needle biopsy. This minimally invasive approach to breast biopsies is advocated by nearly all professional societies and patient advocacy groups.
Ask your “biopsy doctor” to call you ASAP with results
On the day of your biopsy, ask the radiologist or surgeon to call you directly with the result within the next 2 to 3 days. Write your contact information down for them and give them permission to leave the results as a voicemail. That way you can quickly learn the results (most are not cancerous) and get some guidance as to your next step. Too often, the results are delayed and you only hear from a staff member who will not be able to interpret the results. Interpreting your results is a critical quality aspect of every breast biopsy.
Get a copy of your pathology report
Make sure you get a copy of your biopsy “Pathology Report” from the ordering physician once it is available about a week later. Even when the results are “benign” it is helpful to have this information for future reference.
“Ultrasound Guided” needle breast biopsy
Ultrasound guided biopsies allow your breast surgeon or radiologist to guide a sampling needle into the suspicious breast lesion and obtain slivers of tissue from this area. It is highly accurate if performed with experience and good judgment. This procedure is performed with local anesthesia and is well tolerated. It is by far the most common type of minimally invasive breast biopsy performed today.
“Stereotactic” breast biopsy
This minimally invasive procedure is performed with a sophisticated biopsy device that uses small mammogram images to locate and guide a biopsy needle to the breast lesion. This procedure should be used to obtain breast tissue samples from a suspicious area detected only by mammography. It is also performed using local anesthesia.
“MRI guided” breast biopsy
This biopsy procedure is very similar to a stereotactic breast biopsy, but is usually performed for suspicious areas that are best seen on a breast MRI. It is also done under local anesthesia, but is more involved because of the MRI imaging needed to guide the biopsy needle to the area to be biopsied in the breast.

[@vt1549]

Thanks too for your guidance. I have this biopsy on Wednesday. I am claiming total victory. I am in Gods hands. I thank you for this video. The information you gave was so needed. I thank Jesus in advance for my healing!

[@BJones-dg6nj]

I have 2 go on the 29th. A small lump.

[@amazinglovejn316]

Hows your biopsy?

[@iamenvymetoo]

I had 1 Stero and 2 core needle biopsies. Same breast, same day. I was TERRIFIED but I can now say it wasn’t nearly as barbaric and painful as I expected. Completely tolerable and I have zero tolerance for pain. Felt a tiny prick and a subtle burning from the lidocaine and that was it. My doctor was great and told me to ask for more numbing meds if I felt anything more. Do not be afraid to ask for more numbing medication. That is the key! All benign BTW.

[@melissadd7597]

Please read this paper directly from NIH and spread the word! Biopsy surgery is not safe as we are told! www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015162/

[@stacyjones2605]

This is great to know. Thank you!

[@jeanwean5782]

Amen!

[@gisela1074]

I have to do this in a couple of days and I am terrified of the procedure pain. Thank you this makes me feel better.

[@iamenvymetoo]

@@gisela1074 You got this - sending positive vibes!

[@mommypower9862]

Thanks for speaking in a calm voice.. 😌

[@BreastCancerSchoolforPatients]

You are too kind. Make sure to visit the Breast Cancer School for Patients for more information. www.breastcancercourse.org. Good luck.

[@Gardening-FarmtoTable-andMore]

Studies show should air get to a cancerous cell this could cause it to spread more quickly. So why take a chance and not just do an MRI with contrast

[@jacquelinemalowa9626]

Had my breast biopsy 30 minutes ago. The information here is really helpful.

[@shahwarhamdani9781]

I had two small lumps in my rt breast at the age of 19 years and these were removed and biopsy report was non malignant. And up till now no lump in the both breasts.but now I feel small nodule v small about 10and 9 mm in my lft breasts. But lymphatic system is intact. No lymph node any where. surgeon advised me biopsy of these nodule guided by ultrasnography.

[@narutoyondaime14]

Thank you for your guidance. Much appreciated.

[@fernalinejoytam3581]

Very detailed and informative. Thank you so much.

[@katscarantini4144]

Thanks for your informative videos . Great voice !

[@gingerjoy5836]

Always excellent vids…Thank You🙌🏼💗

[@mad7fisher]

I want him to be my doctor!!!

[@BreastCancerSchoolforPatients]

You are too kind. Make sure to visit the Breast Cancer School for Patients for more information. www.breastcancercourse.org. Good luck.

[@margodilbeck5378]

Thank you for the information

[@alydea9201]

I had my breast biopsy today,. The doctor drained the cyst out in my breast. He said the liquid is clear and not suspicious to send for biopsy.

[@msunique6623]

Hey dear did it hurt and was it quick

[@dianepotter2266]

Thank you for this. I was just told today that I have to have one of these, and I am feeling a little more comfortable now that it wont be painful as some were telling me,

[@demetrasquinn5947]

Great information sir

[@abebakiros2363]

Good information thank you

[@farmlifewithrenee]

Thank you I go for my needle biopsy on Dec 1st. I'll do just what you said

[@NJWAANAA]

I thank you a lot Dr. Williams💐 I did the needle biopsy just today and they left a small tiny titaium thing @the place of the mass to mark from where they got the biopcy 18.07.2022 and it was NOT PAINFUL @ALL😇😇😇 I'll get back to the hospital to: 1- Ask them politely to contact me either by mobile or to to send me an E-mail with the result as soon as they got it. 2- Ask them politely also to hand me a paper copy of the pathologist report. I appreciate you Dr.Williams for giving us these wonderfull informations and to underline these importants points that we should keep it in our medical personal reports file@home💐 My best Jordanian regards from Switzerland🥰🥰🥰

[@battfamily435]

They do that in case it's cancer and you go for surgery. It's for the surgeon.

[@tinaross382]

I will have Biopsy next week. I'm so scare to get the result. All I'm think of is I have 3 kids.

[@RosieTheRiveterWWII]

♥️I have one tomorrow, just woke up sick to my stomach and a terrible headache. I guess I’m nervous. How were your results?

[@foxyred1015]

@@RosieTheRiveterWWII How was your biopsy? I am having one in a day, I'm so stressed out. Hoping for a negative result.

[@resata4092]

@@foxyred1015 how was your result?

[@barbaradw9969]

I am waiting just a little over 3 weeks, just to get the biopsy, bi lateral. The waiting is horrible.

[@ruthrodriguez5765]

Did it go well? I have 1 in 2 weeks and am scared too

[@miznikki2u]

Thank you for this information and guidance. God Bless

[@BreastCancerSchoolforPatients]

You are too kind. Make sure to visit the Breast Cancer School for Patients for more information. www.breastcancercourse.org. Good luck.

[@mutegabriel4812]

Thank you Doc.🙏🌹♥️

[@lucysmithers357]

I had this done two days ago.. it wasn't bad at all. I was numbed up nicely.. I also had markers placed because mine is breast cancer.

[@pamelariley6694]

Thank you. ❤️

[@Natalie82170]

There is no reason to leave it there. The entire tumor can be removed via vacuum assisted core needle biopsy. No woman should be left with a tumor in her breast unless she's okay with that. Why don't doctors tell women that they can have the entire tumor removed this way and not just a piece of it?

[@dammar117]

Exactly. Thank you for your common sense.

[@cindypattana6071]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 19 years ago, had lumpectomy, radiation and chemo and have done well since. Recent mammogram found cluster of calcifications, so I'm terrified to get the biopsy now.

[@BJones-dg6nj]

I pray it goes well

[@griffithswife1704]

I am so sorry 🥺

[@ThePriceisRight4094D]

Diagnostic on a 6cm tumor is painfull your bloated breast gets tugged on.

[@meritabuff741]

I had a needle biopsy it wasn’t that bad will pray for u 🙏

[@anamelendez5812]

I have watched almost ALL your videos. THANK YOU so much for informing us patients as we navigate through all our different circumstances. I am 43 years old and have my appointment today with my breast surgeon. I have breast disease and very dense breasts. My new and current lump on left breast fits the potential cancerous tumor BUT hoping and praying outcome is benign. Since I am continually producing tumors and I have many in both my breasts, I have read that I am a good candidate for a breast MRI. In addition I've had two breast papillomas in my breast ducts one on each of my breasts and they were removed in 2017. I have had multiple biopsies as well. My doctor back then told me that the breast MRI could potentially give me a lot of false positives. I feel like I'm just waiting until one of the many tumors I continue getting will turn out as cancer and I am always wondering until when my prevention would be over treating my condition. Do you have any insights or guidance that I may include on my personal research for my particular situation? Thank you very much.

[@anamelendez5812]

@@vickikaravas8774 thank you so much Vicki. The surgeon kept minimizing my situation and after another round of biopsies, they found yet another tumor that needed removal. Until then, the doctor suggested a mastectomy as I was going to be deformed on one breast. Since I had other tumors on my other breast that needed removal as well, she did recommend a bilateral mastectomy and I had them both removed a few years ago. It brought peace of mind. It confirmed what my husband and I always felt, that it was indeed a situation of importance, concern, and that the doctor did not need to minimize ever. Once the tumors were removed and studiedThey ended up finding several cells that were not normal and the doctor that did my reconstruction confirmed that it was only a matter of time that I would most likely develop breast cancer so I am grateful to God that although this surgery was more preventative, it has ended up being a blessing. Yes, there are the issues one deals with this type of surgery BUT, I have not looked back.

[@anamelendez5812]

I will be praying for your test results and the anxiousness this brings for sure . Blessings!

[@seektruth983]

Can there be mistakes in the pathology results and diagnosis?

[@Livelongwforce]

To all women who have DCIS, beware of the biopsy! Had 2 aggressive biopsies for DCIS last June. Just DCIS. Told i had all the time in the world to pick a surgeon. Had full Mastectomy Feb 1st this year. Lymph node biopsy showed invasive, then found on my liver March 6th. I am 100% certain, the biopsies caused a change in the environment of the cancer, causing a invasive mutation in that very area. This is called Inflammatory oncotaxis. If you have a biopsy and it shows cancer, please have it removed within 54 days of your biopsy!

[@Susan-hh7wc]

I'm sorry to hear that. Can I ask why 54 days?

[@watchthewatchmaker]

I am praying for you, that The Faithful King of the Universe and His Only Son Jesus Christ will work a miracle of healing in your life and bless you with many more years to serve Him on earth. Sadly, many women do not understand that 'needle seeding' can cause a cancer to spread as a RESULT of a core needle biopsy. A study done as recently as 2018 showed that 100% of the animals who received a CNB of the breast had cancer that spread to lungs or liver. After the CNB the breast tissue actually stops fighting any cancer that is there as a result of the damage from the needle (even small damage) as the damaged is repaired and this repair process can allow for a cancer to spread or grow when ordinarily its growth and/or spread was being held in check by the intact breast itself. Sorry but that is medical fact. The problem is the medical $$$ community is now heavily invested in breast biopsy by needles (core needle approach). Anytime a doctor tells you "its the gold standard" you need to realize the 'gold' is the doctor and labs making a profit no matter the short or long-term damage done to you. My mother eventualy died (at 84) of metastatic breast cancer after her biopsy and double mastectomy (at age 70); however, she did live another 14 years with treatement after the surgery. My wife is now being told she needs a CNB, and we are investigating an 'elatographic mammogram' as these can sometimes result in a recategoraization fo the 'suspiscious' mass from a 'BI-RADS 4' to a "BI-RADS 3' which means NO CNB needed. Hoevder, it seems very few labs do this type of mammogram. Wonder why that is? Remember, G-d is in control. Trust in Him and NOT anything a doctor tells you. He is King, and he can gift you more life no matter what circumstance you are facing.

[@reneemellott8612]

If I already had a biopsy a few years ago and it was benign then would it be necessary to do another one??

[@cathietonkin5577]

I’m confused from my sonogram of my breast after having a mammogram…. My left breast has a ‘spot’, they stated it’s benign…. then they found 2 on my right breast…. again states One is benign but they other is a mass and a sono biopsy is needed. How can the tell that the 2 others are benign,but not the mass that is 3mm? I’m going through another’s medical problem while I’m going through this…. To say I’m a wreck is an understatement!!!! I know what pain is, I live with it daily, plus 50 years ago I had a colonoscopy in a doctors office with nothing for pain!!! That doctor was a blasted sadist!!!

[@leonjulia80]

I asked my doctor what’s the chance it can be breast cancer she said pretty high so should i expect my biopsy to come back that is cancer?

[@pamelariley6694]

Thank uou

[@danim3682]

having a stereo tactic biopsy. for calcification changes. I don't want them to put a permanent marker in my breast. Can I tell the radiologist I don't want a titanium marker in my breast?

[@SN-bg7ps]

I’m going to have a stereotactic biopsy too. I didn’t know they leave a marker. I don’t want that either. Were you able to demand this?

[@danaarbogast9594]

From what I was told at my appointment they said that the marker is put in just to let others know if you have a future scan that it has been looked over and checked

[@christymallesky8670]

This guy is really good ....

[@BreastCancerSchoolforPatients]

You are too kind. Make sure to visit the Breast Cancer School for Patients for more information. www.breastcancercourse.org. Good luck.

[@ThePriceisRight4094D]

Radiologist said maligninant w/o biopsy.

[@Mayhem7608]

If 80% of biopsies are benign, Why breast cancer diagnosis are still high and we are encouraged to get screened and told that it is common ? and again if they 80% benign does that mean that 80% of biopsies are unnecessary? and that MRI should be done in que after ultrasound? and for those who do have malignant biopsy it takes longer time to start treatment which decrease chances of survival!

[@ThePriceisRight4094D]

Waiting in big city full of immigrants.

[@colleenfuller9236]

How do they do this if you have implants?

[@user-vo7sv7jp9e]

I'm searching for guided biopsy on breast with implants as I'm terrified of them puncturing it and or that titanium marker in could later puncture the implant specially if they are older implants.

[@annrae1597]

My mother and sister had a lump and had a needle biopsy and soon after cancer was found in different places around their bodies..I would not have a needle biopsy for any reason on earth and I have a suspicious mammogram but have had it for 34 years.

[@strangeaslife]

Are you suggesting biopsies cause cancer??

[@annrae1597]

No,I was saying if the lump is cancer, the biopsy might move some malignant cells into the blood stream or lymph system..but as it turned out my doctor convinced me to have a biopsy....I had the lump out later and my doctor said it was just starting to come out of the duct..my thoughts were, did the needle biopsy push some cells out of the duct..it'was small and they got it all but are suggesting radiation now to get any stragglers that might of got out of the area.

[@KetovoreAnita]

How are you now?

[@meritabuff741]

🙏

[@walljos314]

5:00 How to get your Biopsy results quick

[@GGTracyUK]

I just had multiple biopsy few weeks ago and I’m bruising and bleeding badly ..today I had undergone an ultrasound biopsy with titanium clip marker for further study with my left breast, I’m waiting for the result in 2 weeks time, hoping and praying it’s not cancerous!

[@princes540]

May God hear your prayer,am also believing for same miracle to happen in Jesus mighty name. By His stripes we are healed 🙏

[@maggieg5719]

Bleeding badly??? My radiation tech applied pressure to my breast after my biopsy for a few minutes to drain the lidocaine and a little bit of blood. It was no big deal. Something must not have been right. And you had to wait two weeks for your biopsy results??? I waited 7 days and that included a three-day weekend (that Monday was a holiday). All my doctors and surgeons are connected with my hospital, so I have what’s called a “portal”. I’m signed up so I can go online and look up my entire medical history and see all my test results as the come in, so I don’t actually have to wait on my doctor to sit down with me to discuss the results. In my case, this worked out better for me, because even though my breast specialist told me I had cancer, seeing the results can be a littledifferent. I handled the office visit much better and was fully able to absorb everything and write everything down that she was telling me as far as the treatment steps.

[@GGTracyUK]

@@maggieg5719 yes I had bruises, they explained it’s because they hit a blood vessel. Btw my result is not cancerous! Had my mammogram few weeks ago for further check up and I’m good.

[@foxyred1015]

How was your result? I am having a biopsy done in 2 days and hoping and praying it is just benign!

[@GGTracyUK]

@@foxyred1015 its benign

[@maribel6145]

You forgot to mention that you get an incision then a big thick 🤬 needle is inserted into your sensitive breast!!!! It doesn’t look like fun & I haven’t been able to get mine bc I suffer from intense anxiety & want to be put to sleep bc of it!

[@ninaedwards345]

I just did it today and it’s not bad just close your eyes and go through it . It’s better to be sure you don’t have cancer. They will numb you . Don’t worry just go through for your health

[@Gtbae592]

It’s not that bad

[@meritabuff741]

👍

[@princessash032587]

I just had one I’m waiting on results now

[@BreastCancerSchoolforPatients]

Good luck on all of this. Make sure to visit the formal Breast Cancer School for Patients at www.breastcancercourse.org to learn more.

[@moonstruck562]

How was your result? I’m having mine done tomorrow. Thanks

[@lakeshawise8147]

I had a stereotactic breast biopsy 3 weeks ago and still had to end up getting an excisional biopsy last week. Apparently, they didn't take enough tissue the first time. 😑

[@kathyeast812]

Me too! I hated it!

[@lakeshawise8147]

@@yawa.z I'm just seeing your reply. I pray that everything went well and you're doing okay!❤

[@lakeshawise8147]

@@kathyeast812 It was awful. 😞

[@wangdipema1]

So what was your report after excision biopsy ?thanks for sharing

[@dammar117]

Than you, this is helpful.

[@mymakeuptacklebox8064]

had a biopsy done yesterday, My Experience was horrific and terrifying, The Dr. didn’t seem to be prepared, Every time he stuck the needle in he seemed to be struggling to get to the spot, it was like he was jamming the needle through, I did feel some pain, He asked the technician for a smaller needle she said they didn’t have any smaller needles, he took tissue further from the spot on one of his collections, and also when he placed the marker and brought back the needle he was looking at it and told the technician he needed a new marker, she left the room, I asked him what happened he said it’s just articraft and showed me the needle with broken little wires, and said it didn’t deploy, the technician came back and he put the new marker in, I was sent to another room for a mammogram. I called the Dr. office and asked to speak with someone concerning my biopsy and I needed to know if pieces of the marker were broken inside me, the lady that answered said the Dr. would call me back. He said not to worry the marker didn’t break and that’s the way the marker looked he also mentioned that he went further in grabbing tissue and if I had remembered that, he said it was perfectly fine that sometimes they don’t get the spot and not to worry. Well I’m worried, I don’t think this Dr. was prepared and I don’t think what I experienced is normal, now I have to wait on a pathology report that I don’t know will be accurate because of the biopsy and what if their is something broken inside of me that can’t be seen? I need advise please! What do I do?

[@rochellerichardson3113]

I'm crying :/ :/ so unlucky I have my schedule too so scary. I'm only 23 years old.

[@rochellerichardson3113]

So sad for what happened to you. How's your result it is benign or..??

[@ferminmonica2670]

Rochelle style you will be fine

[@random3893]

My MRI Guided Biopsy was a horrible experience. They don't tell you how bad you are going to bruise--I was dark purple in the beginning-- how much your breast is going to swell and how sensitive it will be--I wore a sports bra for weeks. I had a huge hematoma as well..still do. That was 3 years ago in May. Today I found out I have to get the Ultrasound Guided Biopsy. I don't like how they make is seem like it's so easy, because sometimes it isn't.

[@commonsense7803]

@@random3893 Same experience with pain, bruising and swelling after one of those unnecessary needle biopsies years ago, and now I'm told I need another. (First biopsy I ever had was surgical, and it was less painful!) I have decided that this third one will be my final one, assuming no cancer is found, because I refuse to continue being a pincushion for the medical industry.

[@meritabuff741]

👍