Our Summary

This research paper talks about the use of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) during biopsies, specifically for breast tissue. A biopsy is when a small piece of tissue is taken from the body to be studied more closely and determine if it’s normal or not. In this context, doctors use MRI to help them see and identify areas in the breast that might be cancerous. To make sure they’re making the right diagnosis, they use precise preparation techniques and compare their results with what they know about the appearance and behavior of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. The paper emphasizes the importance of this MRI-guided process in accurately diagnosing whether a breast lesion is benign (not harmful) or malignant (cancerous).

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of an MRI-guided breast biopsy?
  2. How does meticulous preparation aid in the definitive diagnosis of breast lesions?
  3. What is the role of radiologic-pathologic correlation in a breast biopsy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to follow any pre-procedure instructions carefully, such as avoiding blood thinning medications, fasting before the procedure, and wearing comfortable clothing. Additionally, it is important to communicate any allergies or medical conditions to the healthcare provider performing the biopsy. After the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort or bruising, but any severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection should be reported to the doctor immediately. Finally, it is important to follow up with the doctor for the biopsy results and discuss any further treatment options or follow-up care.

Suitable For

Patients who have suspicious findings on a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI that cannot be definitively diagnosed as benign or malignant may be recommended to undergo a breast biopsy. Additionally, patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer, a palpable lump in the breast, or other symptoms such as nipple discharge or skin changes may also be recommended for biopsy. Ultimately, the decision to recommend a breast biopsy is made based on a combination of imaging findings, physical examination, and individual risk factors for breast cancer.

Timeline

Before breast biopsy:

  1. Patient may undergo a routine breast imaging exam, such as a mammogram or MRI, which reveals a suspicious lesion.
  2. The patient is informed by their healthcare provider about the need for a biopsy to further evaluate the abnormality.
  3. The patient may undergo additional imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, to locate the exact position of the lesion.
  4. The healthcare provider discusses the biopsy procedure, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes with the patient.
  5. The patient may be instructed to discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners, prior to the procedure.

During breast biopsy:

  1. The patient arrives at the radiology department and is positioned on the biopsy table.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.
  3. The radiologist uses imaging guidance, such as MRI, to accurately target the lesion for biopsy.
  4. A small incision is made in the breast, and a sample of tissue is removed using a needle or biopsy device.
  5. The tissue sample is sent to a pathologist for analysis.

After breast biopsy:

  1. The patient may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the biopsy site, which typically resolves within a few days.
  2. The results of the biopsy are typically available within a week, and the healthcare provider contacts the patient to discuss the findings.
  3. Depending on the results, further treatment or monitoring may be recommended.
  4. If the biopsy reveals a malignant lesion, the patient may be referred to a surgeon or oncologist for further management.
  5. The patient is provided with support and resources to help them cope with the emotional and physical aspects of their diagnosis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy procedure will be performed on my breast?
  2. How will the biopsy be guided (e.g. MRI-guided, ultrasound-guided, stereotactic)?
  3. How long will the biopsy procedure take?
  4. Will I need to stop taking any medications before the biopsy?
  5. What are the potential risks or complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  6. How long will it take to receive the biopsy results?
  7. Will I need to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results?
  8. What are the possible outcomes of the biopsy results (benign vs. malignant)?
  9. What are the next steps if the biopsy results show a malignant lesion?
  10. Are there any restrictions or limitations on my activities after the biopsy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Adrada BE, Guirguis MS, Hoang T, Spak DA, Rauch GM, Moseley TW. Journal: Radiographics. 2022 Mar-Apr;42(2):E46-E47. doi: 10.1148/rg.210126. Epub 2022 Feb 4. PMID: 35119965