Our Summary

The research paper discusses a study that compares two methods for grading breast cancer tumors: core needle biopsy (CNB) and surgical excision. The goal was to find out how much these two methods agree with each other. The researchers looked at 34 different articles that altogether included data on 6029 patients.

They found that the two methods agreed about 71.1% of the time. However, the CNB method underestimated the severity of the tumor in about 19.1% of cases and overestimated it in about 9.3% of cases. They found that the agreement between the two methods was more likely when the tumor was of a certain histological type. They also found that the agreement was less likely when the patient had a positive oestrogen receptor status.

In simple terms, the CNB method isn’t as accurate as the surgical excision method, sometimes underestimating or overestimating the tumor’s severity. However, the researchers suggest that this isn’t a big problem because doctors use multiple factors to decide on treatment, not just the tumor’s grade.

FAQs

  1. What are the two methods for grading breast cancer tumors discussed in the study?
  2. How frequently did the core needle biopsy (CNB) method and surgical excision method agree in their tumor grading according to the study?
  3. What factors were found to impact the agreement between the CNB method and surgical excision method in tumor grading?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to understand that the results may not always be 100% accurate. It’s important to trust your doctor’s expertise and consider all factors when determining the best treatment plan for your specific situation. Additionally, it’s important to follow up with your doctor regularly and ask any questions or concerns you may have about the biopsy results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a breast biopsy include those with suspicious breast lumps or masses, abnormal mammogram or ultrasound results, changes in the skin of the breast, nipple discharge, or other signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Additionally, patients who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may also be recommended for a breast biopsy.

Timeline

Before a breast biopsy, a patient may experience symptoms such as a lump in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, or skin changes on the breast. They may undergo a physical exam, mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI to determine the need for a biopsy.

During the breast biopsy procedure, a doctor will use a needle or surgical instrument to remove a sample of tissue from the suspicious area in the breast. The patient may receive local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure. The tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

After the biopsy, the patient may experience some soreness, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site. They may also have to wait a few days to receive the results of the biopsy. Depending on the results, further tests or treatments may be recommended, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. The patient will work closely with their healthcare team to create a treatment plan based on the biopsy results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast biopsy include:

  1. What type of biopsy will be performed (core needle biopsy or surgical excision)?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  3. How accurate is the biopsy method in determining the severity of the tumor?
  4. What factors will be considered in determining the appropriate treatment plan based on the biopsy results?
  5. Will additional tests or imaging be needed after the biopsy?
  6. How long will it take to receive the biopsy results?
  7. What are the potential treatment options based on the biopsy results?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the biopsy?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments or screenings after the biopsy?
  10. Are there any support resources available for patients undergoing breast biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Knuttel FM, Menezes GL, van Diest PJ, Witkamp AJ, van den Bosch MA, Verkooijen HM. Journal: Br J Surg. 2016 May;103(6):644-655. doi: 10.1002/bjs.10128. Epub 2016 Mar 15. PMID: 26990850