Breast Biopsies

During a needle biopsy on the breast, a local anesthetic is used, and a needle with a looped end is inserted into the potential tumor (A). A sample is taken (B), and the needle withdrawn (C). The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

News of a breast biopsy raises many emotions and concerns. Once you have told that a breast biopsy is needed, it is only natural that you have many questions. Dr. Lisa Curcio and the breast cancer specialist at Advanced Breast Care Specialists firmly believe that early detection of a possible breast cancer is the first and most important step toward receiving the best possible diagnosis, care, and treatment for your breast cancer. 

We understand your emotional concerns and would also like you to be armed with the facts.  80% of breast biopsies do not turn out to be breast cancer. It's also important to know that you have options when selecting a biopsy procedure.  You can talk with Dr. Lisa Curcio or your doctor to help you evaluate which breast biopsy procedure is right for you. 

At Advanced Breast Care Specialists one breast biopsy option that Dr. Curcio uses is a minimally invasive breast biopsy for breast cancer diagnosis called the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System. Mammotome® is made available by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a Johnson & Johnson company.
 

What Is A Breast Biopsy?
A breast biopsy is often recommended by your doctor once a breast lump or breast abnormality has been detected. The breast biopsy procedure involves taking a sample of the tissue from the suspicious area to determine whether the breast lump is cancerous.

Knowing the facts is important. While you may be frightened at the thought of having a breast biopsy, the results can provide answers and be reassuring. Remember 80% of breast biopsies are benign, or non-cancerous. Dr. Curcio stresses that a breast biopsy is the only way to achieve an accurate diagnosis of the lump and to determine a breast cancer diagnosis.

There are various breast biopsy options currently available. The choices range from an open surgical procedure to new minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Curcio and the professionals at Advanced Breast Care Specialists can assist you in determining what procedure is best for you.
 

Benign Breast Biopsy Diagnosis–Fibrocystic and Fibroadenomas
Most benign breast lumps are caused by fibrocystic changes in the breast, which are a normal fluctuations in the breast tissue influenced by hormonal changes related to a woman’s menstrual cycle. These benign breast lumps generally consist of fluid-filled cysts formed within the breast tissue and do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Fibrocystic changes can cause breast swelling and tenderness and your breast may feel lumpy and occasionally present a cloudy discharge from the nipple.

Fibroadenomas is another type of benign breast lumps and/or radiographic abnormality. They generally are felt as smooth, rubbery or hard lumps that move easily within the breast tissue. These breast abnormalities very rarely develop into breast cancer and are most commonly found in teenagers and African American women.

Fibroadenomas can be removed surgically (with an incision) or via a minimally invasive procedure with the Mammotome®. There is also a newer technique for complete excision of the fibroadenoma that allows the growth to be removed intact so that the pathologist can evaluate the growth exactly as it was in the breast. This minimally invasive device is called Rubicor.

Remember to speak with your doctor or Dr. Curcio to advise you on the proper course of action regarding a benign breast lump or abnormality. Occasionally, the decision is made to remove the cyst either through a surgical or minimally invasive procedure. Regardless of this decision, you will want to continue to perform a monthly breast self-exam get an annual breast exam and mammogram.

Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System

Dr. Lisa Curcio is using a minimally invasive breast biopsy for breast cancer diagnosis -- the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System by  Ethicon Endo-Surgery.

For more information, you may visit BreastBiopsy.com

Contact Dr. Lisa Curcio to discuss your risk for breast cancer . Dr. Curcio is a breast cancer heredity risk specialist and she can advise you on your breast cancer risk.

Visit "Advanced Breast Care Specialists of Orange County"  in Mission Viejo, California.