Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Cancer Society reports that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chance is for survival and recovery. For example, 94 percent of women survive breast cancer when their tumors are located before they grow beyond 2 cm in size. Because of the importance of early detection, diagnostic tools play an integral role in the survival of patients.
Definition
By definition, a biopsy is a sample of tissue taken from a patient that is sent to a lab and used to determine the existence, stage and type of cancer. Biopsies are typically performed to determine the best course of treatment for a breast cancer patient, and can be 1 of 4 major types.
Open Excisional Biopsy
With excisional biopsy, the patient is given a local anesthetic. The surgeon removes the entire tumor, as well as some of the tissue that surrounds it.
Open Incisional Biopsy
Like excisional biopsy, with open incisional biopsy the patient is given a local anesthetic, but doctors remove only a portion of the tumor.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
To determine if breast cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue, it is necessary to test the nymph nodes of the underarm. With sentinel lymph node biopsy, blue dye is injected in the area of the tumor. Doctors follow the path of the dye and remove the first lymph node that the dye reaches for testing.
Needle Aspiration
When using needle aspiration, a doctor inserts a needle into the breast and removes fluid or tissue from the tumor.
Determination
Doctors select which type of biopsy to employ, based on a number of factors, including the tumor's size, location, shape and feel.
Tags: breast cancer, biopsy patient, biopsy patient given, given local, given local anesthetic, local anesthetic
