If your diagnostic investigations suggest a solid lump in your breast then a targeted biopsy will be recommended to you. Ultrasound is used to guide the needle in to the lump so that a tissue sample can be obtained for analysis. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies are far more likely to provide the correct diagnosis that those carried out by palpation only.
The biopsy will be performed after injection of local anaesthesia and will take up to fifteen minutes to perform.
The biopsy will be sent to highly experienced specialist breast pathologists based in the UK and the result should be ready within five working days.
What is a core biopsy or stereotactic biopsy pathology report?
A pathology report is an expert opinion on the microscopic characteristics of the tissue that was removed during your biopsy. The purpose of the report is to provide your healthcare team with detailed information about your breast lump, so they can determine the appropriate treatment options to manage your breast condition.
What will I learn from a core biopsy or stereotactic biopsy pathology report?
The pathology report should provide you with detailed information about your breast lump. If the lump proves to be an invasive breast cancer, then the report will include details about the tumour grade, hormone receptor status, and HER2 status. You may then need to undergo additional investigations to determine:
- The stage of your cancer
- Whether or not cancer cells were found in your
- Whether or not your cancer has (spread to areas beyond your breast
- BREAST CANCER SIZE
- GRADE OF CANCER
- STAGE OF CANCER
- HORMONE RECEPTOR STATUS
- HER2 STATUS
- LYMPH NODES STATUS