Why Breast Tissue Biopsy Is Not Safe
A breast biopsy is necessary when diagnostic tests are suggestive of breast cancer. While it is important to detect breast cancer early, it is also necessary to understand the risks of the procedure.
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Indications
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A breast biopsy is warranted if a mammogram or ultrasound shows a suspicious mass. A biopsy will also be necessary if a palpable mass is present, even though the mammogram or ultrasound is negative.
Types of Biopsies
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A core biopsy uses a needle to retrieve a piece of tissue under ultrasound or mammography. This increases the reliability of the exam, since the doctor can see the breast mass in real time. Another form of biopsy is an excisional biopsy. This is done in an operating room and the entire mass is removed and studied by a pathologist.
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Anesthesia Risks
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An excisional biopsy entails greater risk since the patient is under general anesthesia. Risks associated with anesthesia including aspiration of fluid into the lungs, variance in blood pressure, heart rhythm or stroke. General anesthesia risks are of a greater concern with increased age.
Needle Biopsy Risks
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Needle biopsies can cause redness, soreness and swelling in the biopsy site. Since bleeding is a concern, the patient is usually directed to stop all aspirin therapy and any blood thinning agents days before the procedure. If the equipment was not sterilized properly or the physician did not use sterile drapes and gloves, infection can occur from the needle entering the body. The most serious risk with a needle biopsy is pneumothorax. This is where the lung is punctured and air is leaking. If this occurs, a chest tube would be placed and the patient would be admitted to the hospital. Pneumothorax is a greater concern when the breast mass is located very close to the chest wall.
Post Biopsy Complications
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Both biopsies will cause scar tissue in the area of the breast mass. Future mammograms can be hindered by the scar tissue and may hide abnormalities. If the biopsy is performed, the patient must be carefully screened in the future.
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