Our Summary

This study looked at a type of breast biopsy known as vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB), which is used to test for breast cancer. The study aimed to understand what happens to any remaining cancer cells after VABB, and whether there are some patients who might not need further surgery after the biopsy. The researchers found that out of 48 patients, 40 still had some cancer cells present after the biopsy. They concluded that most patients will still need surgery after a VABB, especially since imaging techniques can’t accurately locate any remaining cancer cells. However, they found that smaller tumors on the biopsy were less likely to have any remaining cancer cells afterwards. So, they suggest that some patients with very small tumors might not need further surgery, but this option should be considered carefully.

FAQs

  1. What is a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) and why is it used?
  2. Does a patient still need surgery after undergoing a VABB?
  3. Can patients with very small tumors avoid further surgery after a VABB?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to follow any post-biopsy care instructions carefully, such as avoiding strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects for a certain period of time to prevent any complications. It is also important to keep the biopsy site clean and dry to prevent infection. Additionally, make sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to discuss the results of the biopsy and determine the next steps in your treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended breast biopsy include those with:

  • Suspicious findings on a mammogram or ultrasound
  • Abnormalities detected during a physical exam, such as a lump or thickening in the breast tissue
  • Symptoms such as nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin changes
  • Personal or family history of breast cancer
  • Previous biopsy results indicating atypical cells or precancerous lesions
  • Monitoring of a known breast abnormality to assess changes over time

Ultimately, the decision to recommend a breast biopsy is based on a combination of factors, including the patient’s medical history, imaging findings, and risk factors for breast cancer. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of a breast biopsy with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient notices a lump or other abnormality in the breast and consults with a healthcare provider.
  2. Healthcare provider orders imaging tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to further evaluate the abnormality.
  3. Based on the imaging results, a decision is made to perform a breast biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for further testing.

During the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient is informed about the procedure and risks involved.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
  3. A small incision is made in the breast, and a needle or vacuum-assisted device is used to extract tissue samples.
  4. The tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.

After the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience mild pain or discomfort at the biopsy site.
  2. Results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week.
  3. Patient meets with their healthcare provider to discuss the biopsy results.
  4. If cancer is detected, further treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, may be recommended.
  5. If no cancer is found, the patient may be advised to continue with regular breast screenings.

Overall, the breast biopsy process involves a series of steps from initial detection of an abnormality to post-biopsy follow-up care. It is important for patients to stay informed and work closely with their healthcare team throughout the process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of breast biopsy will I be having (e.g. VABB)?
  2. How accurate is the biopsy in detecting cancer cells?
  3. What happens to any remaining cancer cells after the biopsy?
  4. Will I need further surgery after the biopsy?
  5. Are there any specific factors (e.g. tumor size) that may affect the need for further surgery?
  6. What are the potential risks and side effects of the biopsy procedure?
  7. How soon will I receive the results of the biopsy?
  8. What are my treatment options if cancer cells are found?
  9. How often should I follow up with my doctor after the biopsy?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Park JH, Ahn SE, Kim S, Kwon MJ, Suh YJ, Kim D. Journal: Curr Oncol. 2022 Nov 30;29(12):9357-9364. doi: 10.3390/curroncol29120734. PMID: 36547148