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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA breast biopsy — removing a small sample of breast tissue for lab testing — is considered the best way to be certain if a suspicious area in your breast is breast cancer. There are several types of breast biopsy.
A breast biopsy helps to provide a diagnosis and identify any abnormalities in the cells that make up breast lumps or other unusual breast changes. And, a breast biopsy can help determine whether or not you need additional surgery or other treatment.
- For women facing a breast biopsy. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_6x_For_Women_Facing_a_Breast_Biopsy.asp?sitearea=. Accessed June 11, 2009.
- Biopsy. Breastcancer.org. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/biopsy.jsp. Accessed June 11, 2009.
- Valea FA, et al. Breast diseases: Diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Katz VL, et al., eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142893743-12/0/1524/96.html?tocnode=53759192&fromURL=96.html. Accessed June 11, 2009.
- James JJ, et al. Women's imaging. In: Adam A, et al., eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005:1173.
- Stereotactic (mammographically guided) breast biopsy. The American College of Radiology and The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastbixr. Accessed June 11, 2009.
- Your pathology report. Breastcancer.org. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/path_report/. Accessed June 11, 2009.
