Is this possible on an outpatient basis?

Most biopsies of the breast can be performed on an outpatient basis, as either only a local anaesthetic is used or none at all. It is also a minor procedure that can usually be performed without complications, so that medical monitoring after the biopsy is not necessary. Only open biopsies are usually performed in an in-patient situation, as affected persons should be observed for a longer time afterwards.

Results

The results of the biopsy of the breast should initially provide information as to whether the changes in the breast tissue are benign or malignant. This can usually be determined by microscopic examination. This is followed by a precise evaluation of which cells are responsible for the changes.

For example, different cells of the milk ducts or glands may be affected. A more precise processing of the results usually only takes place if the changes require treatment and/or are malignant. In this case the exact biological reactions of the affected cells should be investigated. For example, it can be determined which drugs are particularly effective against the disease, whether hormone therapy is more effective than chemotherapy or radiation. and tissue samples in breast cancer

Duration until results are available

How long it takes until the results are available depends on the extent of the biopsy and the local structures. For example, it usually takes a few days until results of samples that had to be sent to a laboratory are back. Clinics that have their own pathology can expect first results after a few hours, depending on the urgency. However, the exact biological properties of the affected cells can only be determined by more complex tests, so that these results usually have to be waited for a few days or even weeks.

What does micro calcification mean?

Microcalcification can be detected in the breast both by imaging (ultrasound, mammography, X-ray) and biopsy. Basically, different types of calcification can occur in the breast. Micro calcifications are areas that measure less than half a centimeter in maximum diameter. While macro calcification (larger calcification foci) is usually benign, micro calcification can indicate both benign and malignant changes, which is why a biopsy is often performed when micro calcification is detected in mammography or ultrasound.

Risks – how dangerous can they be?

The risks of a breast biopsy can be divided into different categories. First of all, there may be general complications such as bleeding, post-bleeding, swelling, injuries and inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue. This can subsequently lead to more pronounced and longer lasting pain at the affected area.

An allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic and possibly to general anaesthesia is also possible. Complications directly caused by the biopsy are most noticeable in the breast tissue itself. There, individual structures can be damaged or become inflamed, which can lead to prolonged complaints within the affected breast.

Most dangerous are infections of the breast which occur after the biopsy. The biopsy results in a puncture canal extending into deeper tissue regions of the breast. Through this channel, pathogens (especially skin germs) can penetrate particularly well into the deeper tissue. As a result, inflammation usually occurs there, which can also spread in the body and can lead to fever and malaise, even blood poisoning. In general, however, breast biopsy is a very non-invasive and safe procedure, so serious complications are very rare.