Our Summary

The research paper is about a study that compared the results of two methods used to diagnose the severity (or ‘grade’) of breast cancer in 157 women. The first method is called a ‘core needle biopsy’ (CNB) - this is where a needle is used to take a small sample of tissue from the breast to be tested. The second method is a surgical excision, where a piece of the tumor is surgically removed and then tested. The study found that the results of these two methods matched each other (or were ‘concordant’) 73% of the time. This means that, in most cases, the biopsy gave a reliable indication of the grade of the cancer, which helps doctors plan the best treatment for the patient.

FAQs

  1. What are the two methods used to diagnose the severity of breast cancer according to the research paper?
  2. How often did the results of the core needle biopsy and surgical excision match in the study?
  3. How does the accuracy of the biopsy method impact the planning of treatment for breast cancer patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor may tell a patient about breast biopsy is to make sure to follow any pre-biopsy instructions given by the healthcare provider, such as avoiding blood thinning medications or fasting before the procedure. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or questions to the healthcare provider before the biopsy to ensure a successful and accurate procedure. Finally, after the biopsy, the doctor may advise the patient to follow any post-biopsy care instructions carefully to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a breast biopsy include those who have a suspicious lump or mass in their breast, have an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound result, have nipple discharge, have skin changes on the breast, or have a family history of breast cancer. Additionally, patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and need further information on the grade or stage of their cancer may also be recommended for a breast biopsy.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient discovers a lump or abnormality in the breast through self-examination or during a routine mammogram.
  2. Patient consults with their doctor who recommends a breast biopsy to determine the nature of the lump.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound to locate the exact position of the lump.
  4. Patient discusses the risks and benefits of the biopsy procedure with their doctor and gives informed consent.
  5. Patient may undergo a pre-operative assessment to ensure they are fit for the procedure.

After the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes the biopsy procedure, which may be done under local anesthesia or sedation.
  2. A small sample of tissue is taken from the breast using a needle (core needle biopsy) or a piece of the tumor is surgically removed.
  3. The tissue sample is sent to a pathologist for analysis to determine the grade and type of cancer present.
  4. Patient may experience some pain, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site, which usually resolves within a few days.
  5. Patient receives the biopsy results from their doctor and discusses the next steps in their treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
  6. Patient may undergo additional tests or procedures to further stage the cancer and determine the best course of treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy is recommended for my specific situation - a core needle biopsy or a surgical excision?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  4. How long will it take to receive the biopsy results and how will I be notified?
  5. What does it mean if the results of the biopsy are ‘concordant’ with the grade of the cancer?
  6. What are the implications of the biopsy results for my treatment plan?
  7. Are there any further tests or procedures that may be recommended based on the biopsy results?
  8. Will the biopsy results impact my prognosis or chances of recurrence?
  9. What support or resources are available to me as I await and process the biopsy results?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take following the biopsy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Szpor J, Witczak K, Storman M, Streb-Smoleń A, Krzemień A, Okoń K, Hodorowicz-Zaniewska D, Streb J. Journal: Pol J Pathol. 2023;74(3):203-210. doi: 10.5114/pjp.2023.132225. PMID: 37955539