What is a breast biopsy?
A breast biopsy is a test that takes a small tissue sample from a specific breast area. This tissue sample is then sent to the lab, where it’s examined closely under a microscope to help diagnose breast conditions.
Your doctor may order a breast biopsy after an imaging test, like a mammogram, shows an area that needs more testing. While imaging tests can’t diagnose breast cancer, a breast biopsy can give you the answers you need when you have a lump or spot in your breast. If you need a breast biopsy, the good news is that about 8 out of 10 breast biopsies come back benign—or show no signs of cancer.
Breast biopsy results
You can expect it to take up to a week or two to get the results back from your breast biopsy. All tissue samples taken during a biopsy are sent to a lab for processing. The timing depends on what tests are needed, how many samples are examined and if more than one opinion is necessary.
A pathologist, a doctor specially trained in analyzing blood and tissue samples, looks at your samples and provides your biopsy results in a report. This report will tell you if the pathologist found no signs of cancer, pre-cancerous changes or breast cancer. It will also include details about the types of cells present. Your doctor can help explain the report’s details and answer your questions.
If no cancer cells are found, you may be diagnosed with a benign breast condition. Your doctor will inform you if additional testing or follow-up is needed to monitor your health.
If cancer cells are found, the report will provide details about the type of cancer cells in your breast, which helps guide your treatment. Your doctor will refer you to a team of cancer specialists to get you the care and support you need.
Our breast imaging centers near you
We offer several locations for your care, including women’s imaging centers in North and Central Texas that provide breast biopsy options to fit your needs.
