A needle biopsy - either fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy - samples tissue through a needle inserted into the breast lump without removing the lump itself. It is typically performed under imaging guidance and provides a tissue diagnosis while leaving the lump in place. An excision biopsy surgically removes the entire lump so that the complete lesion can be examined by a pathologist. It may be considered when complete removal is clinically appropriate, when a needle biopsy has not provided a definitive result, or when the size and characteristics of the lump make surgical removal the most practical approach. The removed tissue is sent for histopathological examination, which provides the definitive diagnosis.
Written by Dr. Anupama Pujar K, MBBS (M S Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru), MS General Surgery (JSS Medical College, Mysore, 2006), FMAS, FIAGES, Dip MAS, ATLS Provider, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Bangalore Orthopaedic and Surgical Hospital (BOSH) HRBR Layout, Motherhood Hospital HRBR Layout, and Sapthagiri Super Speciality Hospital, Bengaluru. Phone: +91 80 6954 9278 / +91 80672 38855.
