Our Summary

This study looked at how often women who had been treated for breast cancer needed to have additional breast biopsies. The researchers used data from over 120,000 women under 65 with private insurance and over 65 with Medicare, all of whom were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2000 and 2011. They found that after 5 years, between 11.8% and 14.7% of the women had needed another breast biopsy, and after 10 years, between 14.9% and 23.4% had.

The researchers also found that women who were treated with a specific type of radiation therapy (brachytherapy) were more likely to need another biopsy than those who underwent whole-breast irradiation. The use of additional chemotherapy and the age of the patient also affected the likelihood of needing a biopsy. Among the women who did have another biopsy, between 23.2% and 29.8% required further cancer treatment. This information can help doctors and patients to set expectations and plan treatment for breast cancer.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of women needed a second breast biopsy after 5 years and 10 years, as per the study?
  2. Did the type of radiation therapy received by a woman affect the likelihood of requiring another biopsy?
  3. What proportion of women who had a second biopsy required further cancer treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to ensure they follow up with their doctor regularly to monitor any changes in their breast tissue and to discuss any concerns or symptoms they may have. It is also important for patients to communicate with their healthcare team about their medical history, any medications they are taking, and any family history of breast cancer. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and the need for further biopsies.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast biopsy include:

  1. Patients with suspicious findings on a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, such as a lump, mass, or abnormal calcifications.
  2. Patients with a breast lump or mass that can be felt during a physical examination.
  3. Patients with nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody or clear.
  4. Patients with changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness, dimpling, or puckering.
  5. Patients with a personal history of breast cancer or a strong family history of breast cancer.
  6. Patients with a previous biopsy showing atypical cells or a high-risk lesion.
  7. Patients with a genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
  8. Patients with a history of chest radiation therapy.
  9. Patients with a history of hormone replacement therapy or long-term use of oral contraceptives.
  10. Patients with a history of previous breast biopsies that showed benign findings but have developed new concerning symptoms or changes in their breasts.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  • Patient may notice a lump or abnormality in the breast
  • Doctor performs a physical examination and orders imaging tests (such as mammogram or ultrasound)
  • Doctor recommends a biopsy based on the results of the imaging tests
  • Patient may undergo a pre-biopsy consultation to discuss the procedure and potential risks

During the breast biopsy:

  • Patient undergoes a minimally invasive procedure to remove tissue samples from the breast
  • Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area
  • Tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for analysis

After the breast biopsy:

  • Patient may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the biopsy site
  • Pathology report is reviewed to determine if the tissue is benign or malignant
  • Patient meets with doctor to discuss the biopsy results and next steps
  • If cancer is detected, treatment options are discussed, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after a breast biopsy can vary depending on individual circumstances and the results of the biopsy. It is important for patients to communicate openly with their healthcare team and ask any questions they may have throughout the process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy is being recommended and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of the biopsy procedure?
  3. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  4. What will the biopsy results tell us about my condition?
  5. What are the potential next steps if the biopsy results show cancer?
  6. How often do patients in my situation need to have additional biopsies?
  7. Are there any factors that may increase my risk of needing another biopsy in the future?
  8. Will the biopsy procedure affect my ability to breastfeed or have mammograms in the future?
  9. Are there alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could provide similar information?
  10. What are the potential long-term implications of having a breast biopsy?

Reference

Authors: van la Parra RFD, Liao K, Smith BD, Yang WT, Leung JWT, Giordano SH, Kuerer HM. Journal: JAMA Surg. 2018 Jun 1;153(6):559-568. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2017.5572. PMID: 29387884