Our Summary

This research paper talks about a new, cost-effective technique to diagnose breast cancer, specifically aimed at helping lower and middle-income countries. Traditionally, breast lumps are tested using a method called core biopsy, which can be expensive. To overcome this cost issue, the researchers developed a simple and affordable method using a 50 ml syringe, a 10 ml syringe, and a 14G needle. This technique was tested on 57 women with breast lumps and proved to be highly accurate in diagnosing cancer. In fact, it correctly identified cancer 92% of the time and never gave a false positive result. It was also much cheaper than the conventional core biopsy needle - costing around $5.5 USD compared to $41 USD. The study concludes that such cost-effective solutions are very much needed in countries with financial constraints.

FAQs

  1. What is the new cost-effective technique for diagnosing breast cancer?
  2. How accurate is the new technique in identifying breast cancer compared to the traditional core biopsy method?
  3. How much does the new method cost compared to the conventional core biopsy needle?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about breast biopsy is to stay calm and try to relax during the procedure. Stress and anxiety can make the experience more uncomfortable, so deep breathing or listening to calming music can help. Additionally, following any pre-procedure instructions given by the doctor, such as avoiding blood thinning medications or fasting before the biopsy, can help ensure the procedure goes smoothly. Finally, it’s important to follow up with your doctor for the results and any further recommendations for treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast biopsy include those with:

  1. A suspicious lump or mass in the breast that can be felt during a physical exam or seen on imaging studies such as mammograms or ultrasound.
  2. Abnormalities found on a mammogram or other imaging tests, such as microcalcifications or areas of increased density.
  3. Breast changes such as skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape or size.
  4. Personal or family history of breast cancer or other risk factors for the disease.
  5. Previous abnormal biopsy results, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular neoplasia.
  6. Monitoring of a known breast abnormality or cancer for changes over time.
  7. Evaluation of a breast infection or inflammation that does not respond to treatment.
  8. Confirmation of a diagnosis after initial tests suggest the possibility of cancer.

It is important for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate each patient’s individual situation and recommend a breast biopsy when appropriate to obtain an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient notices a lump or abnormality in their breast during a self-exam or routine check-up.
  2. Patient consults with their healthcare provider who recommends further evaluation.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as mammogram or ultrasound to identify the nature of the lump.
  4. Based on the results of the imaging tests, the healthcare provider recommends a breast biopsy to obtain tissue samples for further analysis.

After the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes the biopsy procedure, which can be done through various methods such as core biopsy or fine needle aspiration.
  2. Tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine if the lump is cancerous or benign.
  3. Patient awaits the results of the biopsy, which may take a few days to a week.
  4. Once the results are available, the healthcare provider discusses the findings with the patient and recommends further treatment options if necessary, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
  5. Patient may undergo additional tests or procedures based on the biopsy results to develop a treatment plan and monitor the condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy do you recommend for my specific situation?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  3. Are there any risks or potential complications associated with the biopsy?
  4. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  5. What will the results of the biopsy tell us about my condition?
  6. What are the next steps after the biopsy results are available?
  7. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could provide more information about my condition?
  8. How accurate is the biopsy in diagnosing breast cancer?
  9. How much will the biopsy cost and will my insurance cover it?
  10. Are there any special instructions or precautions I need to follow before or after the biopsy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Yadav SK, Carpenter A, Rai R, Jha CK, Sharma D. Journal: World J Surg. 2022 Jun;46(6):1445-1450. doi: 10.1007/s00268-022-06475-3. Epub 2022 Feb 15. PMID: 35166879