Our Summary

This research paper explores the amount of radiation a woman is exposed to during a particular procedure used to diagnose breast cancer. The procedure, known as a biopsy, involves taking a small sample of tissue from the breast for examination. This is often done after a mammogram - an X-ray of the breast - has identified a suspicious area. Until now, there has been little information about how much radiation is involved in this process and what risks this may pose to the patient.

The researchers used a specific type of mammogram machine, a Siemens MammoTest prone biopsy with a Sectra L30 AIR unit, to measure the radiation doses during the biopsy and the images taken before and after the procedure. They found that the average dose of radiation to the breast was 5.13 mGy (a unit of radiation exposure), with 3.52 mGy coming from the biopsy procedure itself and 1.61 mGy from the images taken before and after.

The risk associated with these radiation levels depends on the age of the woman but is not considered high for this type of procedure.

FAQs

  1. What is the radiation dose from a Siemens MammoTest prone biopsy?
  2. What are the risks associated with the radiation dose levels during a breast biopsy?
  3. How does the age of the woman affect the risks from the radiation dose levels during a breast biopsy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to follow any post-procedure instructions carefully, including keeping the biopsy site clean and dry to prevent infection. It is also important to keep the area covered with a bandage as directed and to avoid strenuous activity that could potentially disrupt the healing process. Additionally, any unusual symptoms such as excessive pain, redness, or swelling should be promptly reported to the doctor for further evaluation.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended breast biopsy typically include those with suspicious lesions found during asymptomatic breast cancer screening. These lesions may be identified through mammography or other imaging modalities. It is important to further assess these lesions to determine if they are benign or malignant. The decision to recommend biopsy is typically made based on the size, shape, and characteristics of the lesion, as well as the patient’s age, medical history, and risk factors for breast cancer. Biopsy may also be recommended for patients with a family history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors.

Timeline

Before breast biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes routine breast cancer screening, such as a mammogram.
  2. Suspicious lesion is found on the mammogram.
  3. Patient may undergo additional imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, to further evaluate the lesion.
  4. If the lesion is still concerning, a biopsy is recommended.

During breast biopsy:

  1. Patient is informed about the procedure and risks involved.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
  3. A small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious lesion using a needle or surgical procedure.
  4. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

After breast biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience some pain, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site.
  2. Results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week.
  3. Depending on the results, further treatment may be recommended, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
  4. Patient may require regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any changes in the breast tissue.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy procedure will be performed (core needle biopsy, fine needle aspiration, surgical biopsy, etc.)?

  2. How will the biopsy be guided (ultrasound, MRI, mammogram, etc.)?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the biopsy procedure?

  4. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy?

  5. Will I need any follow-up imaging or tests after the biopsy?

  6. How will the biopsy results impact my treatment plan?

  7. What are the chances that the biopsy results could be inconclusive?

  8. How experienced is the medical team performing the biopsy procedure?

  9. Will I need to take any special precautions or follow any specific instructions before or after the biopsy?

  10. Are there any alternative options to biopsy that could be considered in my case?

Reference

Authors: McLean D, Ryan L, Robertson L. Journal: Australas Phys Eng Sci Med. 2019 Mar;42(1):193-199. doi: 10.1007/s13246-019-00729-6. Epub 2019 Feb 1. PMID: 30707352