Our Summary
This research paper is about a study that was conducted to determine the effectiveness, safety, and reliability of a breast biopsy and circumferential excision system. The study was carried out at multiple centers and involved 168 participants who had breast lesions. These participants were divided into two groups: one group was tested using the breast biopsy and circumferential excision system, while the other group was the control group and used the commonly used Mammotome system.
The main outcome measured was how well the systems were able to successfully remove the suspected lumps during surgery. Other factors, such as operation times, the weight of the removed tissue, and the performance of the device were also considered. Safety was also monitored closely, with regular checks for any complications after the operation.
The results of the study showed that there were no significant differences in the effectiveness and safety between the two systems. This suggests that the new test device works well and is safe for use in breast lesion biopsies. This is good news for patients with a high incidence of breast lesions, as it provides a cheaper alternative for removing the biopsies of breast masses, compared to imported devices.
FAQs
- What was the main purpose of the study conducted on the breast biopsy and circumferential excision system?
- How was the effectiveness and safety of the new breast biopsy system compared to the commonly used Mammotome system?
- What does the study suggest about the use of the new breast biopsy and circumferential excision system in removing biopsies of breast masses?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to follow all pre-operative instructions given by the healthcare provider, such as fasting before the procedure if necessary. It is also important to inform the doctor of any medications, allergies, or medical conditions before the biopsy. After the procedure, the patient should follow post-operative care instructions carefully, such as keeping the biopsy site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and watching for any signs of infection or complications. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to discuss the results of the biopsy and any further treatment options.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for a breast biopsy include those with suspicious lumps or masses found during a physical examination or imaging tests such as mammograms or ultrasounds. Other indications for a breast biopsy include:
- Abnormal changes in the breast tissue detected on a mammogram or ultrasound
- Persistent breast pain or discomfort
- Nipple discharge, particularly if it is bloody
- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness, dimpling, or puckering
- Family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
- Personal history of breast cancer or other breast conditions that increase the risk of developing cancer
- Previous biopsies that showed abnormal or suspicious results
- Hormone replacement therapy or other factors that increase the risk of breast cancer
It is important for patients to discuss their individual risk factors and concerns with their healthcare provider to determine if a breast biopsy is necessary. Biopsies are typically recommended when there is a concern for breast cancer or other serious conditions, and they can help provide a definitive diagnosis and guide further treatment options.
Timeline
Before the breast biopsy:
- The patient may undergo a physical exam and imaging tests to identify the suspicious area in the breast.
- The doctor may recommend a biopsy based on the results of these tests.
- The patient may receive information about the biopsy procedure, including risks and benefits, and give consent for the procedure.
- The patient may have to stop taking certain medications or avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure.
During the breast biopsy:
- The patient is typically awake during the procedure and may receive local anesthesia to numb the area.
- The doctor uses a needle or a small incision to remove tissue samples from the suspicious area in the breast.
- The patient may feel some pressure or discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally not painful.
- The tissue samples are sent to a lab for further analysis.
After the breast biopsy:
- The patient may experience mild pain, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site, which usually resolves within a few days.
- The patient may receive instructions on how to care for the biopsy site and when to follow up with the doctor for results.
- The patient may need to wait for a few days to receive the biopsy results.
- Depending on the results, further treatment or monitoring may be recommended.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast biopsy include:
- What type of biopsy do you recommend for my specific situation?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
- How will the biopsy results be communicated to me, and how long will it take to receive them?
- Will I need any follow-up tests or treatments based on the biopsy results?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the biopsy procedure?
- How experienced are you in performing breast biopsies, and what is the success rate of the procedure?
- Can you explain the difference between the breast biopsy and circumferential excision system and the traditional methods used for biopsies?
- Are there any specific factors that make me a good candidate for one system over the other?
- What should I expect during the recovery period after the biopsy procedure?
- Are there any resources or support groups available for patients undergoing breast biopsy procedures?
Reference
Authors: Wang O, Zhang W, Chen S, Cao F, Chen L, Chen H. Journal: Clin Breast Cancer. 2023 Aug;23(6):640-648. doi: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.05.007. Epub 2023 May 25. PMID: 37331895